RD194 - Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee 2004 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
[This also satisfies the requirement of 62.1-69.35.2, Code of Virginia]

The Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee (VRRBAC) was established in the executive branch of state government as an advisory committee to the Virginia delegation to the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission. The Committee assists the delegation in fulfilling its duties and carrying out the objectives of the Commission, pursuant to § 62.1-69.39.

This year the Committee continued to function in largely an organizational and developmental manner. A lack of funding and a delay in convening of the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission curbed the activities of the Committee. However, members participated in efforts involving pertinent Basin issues including the John H. Kerr 216 Study, the Statewide TAC on Water Supply Planning, and the Smith Mountain Lake FERC re-licensing process. VRRBAC held four meetings, discussing and learning about topics pertaining to the basin. VRRBAC representatives met with the leadership of the North Carolina Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee (NCRRBAC) to discuss progress in both States. It is hoped that the NCRRBAC meets shortly, followed by the first meeting of the Roanoke River Basin Bi-state Commission. In addition a VRRBAC website has been developed and located at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/vrrbac/.

The lack of funding restricted the Committee, particularly at the grass roots and subcommittee level. A source of operating funds would enable the group to carry out its full mission and to develop tangible products, such as position papers on the issues pertinent to the basin. Such action would help provide integrated management of the entire watershed, improve and maintain environmental quality, and protect public health in the basin.

This report provides information on VRRBAC’s 2004 activities. It further identifies issues important to the success of the Committee and to the Roanoke River Basin.