RD49 - 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.  By-laws were established for the operation of VRRBAC and new officers were elected.  Members participated in efforts involving pertinent Roanoke River Basin (Basin) issues including the John H. Kerr 216 Study, the Statewide Technical Advisory Committee 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 and molding positions on Basin issues.  However, a lack of funding and a delay in convening of the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission has limited the activities of VRRBAC.

A source of operating funds would enable VRRBAC 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.

The North Carolina Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee (NCRRBAC) has not met.  It is important for this group to become active so that they can be engaged in dialogue and progress can be made on Basin issues.  The legislative members of VRRBAC recently wrote 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. 

This report provides information on VRRBAC’s 2005 activities.  It further identifies issues important to the success of VRRBAC and to the Roanoke River Basin.