RD383 - Annual Report of the Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee


Executive Summary:
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.  VRRBAC assists the delegation in fulfilling its duties and carrying out the objectives of the Commission, pursuant to § 62.1-69.39.

VRRBAC continues to advance its goals, despite the challenges noted below.  Members participated in efforts involving pertinent Roanoke River Basin (Basin) issues including the Smith Mountain Lake FERC re-licensing process, USACE recreational area closures at some lakes, and water safety at lakes.  Also VRRBAC is working to develop an inventory of Basin “Brownfields” sites.  VRRBAC held three meetings, discussing and learning about topics pertaining to the Basin and molding positions on Basin issues.  However, a delay in convening of the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission continues to limit the activities of VRRBAC.

This year the General Assembly appropriated $2000 each year for FY 2007 and FY 2008 to VRRBAC for travel expenses.  This source of operating funds has been a great help with the cost of travel to the meetings.  However, additional funds are still needed to enable VRRBAC to carry out its full mission and to develop tangible products, like 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.

The North Carolina Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee (NCRRBAC) has not met.  It is important for this group to participate in the dialogue so that further progress can be made on Basin issues.  The legislative members of VRRBAC wrote to the North Carolina Governor and Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources to recommend holding the inaugural meeting of the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission.  There has been neither formal response to the letter nor any apparent action on the North Carolina side of the Basin.

This report provides information on VRRBAC’s 2006 activities.  It further identifies issues important to the success of VRRBAC and to the Roanoke River Basin.