SD50 - Report of the Rappahannock River Basin Study Commission


Executive Summary:
The 1996 Session of the General Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution 92 (SJR 92), patroned by Senator R. Edward Houck, creating a special Rappahannock River Basin study panel which came to be known as the Rappahannock River Basin Study Commission (the "Commission" or RRBSC). (Appendix 1) Reasons expressed in SJR 92 for creation of the panel include the fact that the basin is characterized by areas of rapid growth and is linked by one of the Commonwealth's cleanest and most scenic rivers. The resolution also recognizes that activities in one part of the basin affect other parts of the basin because of their connection through the Rappahannock River and that local governing bodies regularly face decisions that can impact other localities. It also notes that there is a need for the Commonwealth and each of the Rappahannock River Basin localities to discuss methods to promote regional planning and coordination. To accomplish this, SJR 92 specifically directed the RRBSC to "examine, evaluate, and make recommendations on the potential structures and goals of a mechanism to address coordination, communication and strategic planning on issues of [Rappahannock River] basin-wide significance."

Following the panel's productive efforts of 1996, the 1997 Session of the General Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution 270 continuing the panel's efforts for an additional year.