Executive Order Number Sixty-Two Establishing A Task Force On Surface Water Management
WHEREAS, in recent years, several areas of the State have been subject to chronic flooding and drainage problems; and
WHEREAS, such flooding and related problems can threaten the health, safety and welfare of our State’s citizens, can damage private property, and can impose substantial costs on State and local governments, in the form of emergency response activities, property damage and infrastructure improvements; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to coordinate efforts within the State to ensure the best use of resources in enhancing flood prevention and control efforts and to develop a comprehensive strategy to address drainage and stormwater management issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RUTH ANN MINNER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare and order as follows:
1. The Task Force on Surface Water Management is created. Members of the Task Force shall include representatives of State and local governments and persons with special expertise on the issues of drainage, flood control and water management. Members of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Governor and serve at the Governor’s pleasure.
2. The Task Force is directed to:
a. Develop a statewide surface water management strategy to integrate drainage, flood control and stormwater management;
b. Explore potential costs and funding sources for implementing a statewide surface water management strategy;
c. Recommend appropriate changes to State or local laws, regulations and policies as appropriate;
d. Recommend a statewide organizational structure to coordinate surface water management strategies and to respond to citizen, community and county needs;
e. Integrate surface water management polices with federal and State clean water requirements; and
f. Recommend strategies to preserve and enhance aquifer recharge, community, local government and State open space use and implement green infrastructure policies and goals, where applicable.
3. The Task Force is directed to submit its recommendations to me not later than April 1, 2005.
Approved: December 17, 2004
