VIRGINIA ROANOKE RIVER BASIN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

                                                            January 18, 2006

 

Resolution urging the inclusion of the Roanoke/Staunton River and other rivers outside the Chesapeake Bay drainage in the Commonwealth of Virginia's plans to fund water quality improvements

 

Whereas, as important as the Chesapeake Bay is to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the southern rivers of Virginia, including the Roanoke/Staunton, the New, and the tributaries of the Tennessee, also are critically important to the economic development of the Commonwealth and to Southside and Western Virginia in particular; and

 

Whereas, the watersheds of the southern rivers of Virginia constitute approximately one-third of the landmass of the state; and

 

Whereas, these rivers and their watersheds contribute significantly to the scenic and recreational qualities of the Commonwealth; and

 

Whereas, the water quality of these rivers, lakes, and their tributaries have been severely compromised; and

 

Whereas, the water quality of all of the Commonwealth's surface waters is important to the health and safety of our citizens;

 

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee, meeting in Floyd, Virginia, on January 18, 2006, does hereby support the inclusion of the

Roanoke/Staunton River and the other southern rivers in all efforts to fund waste water treatment plant upgrades and other programs to improve the quality of the water resources of Virginia; and

 

Further, urges that, in a spirit of equity, such funding be provided on a pro rata basis to communities and other entities commensurate with the land mass and river miles in each watershed.

By: Charles D. Poindexter

      Chairman, Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee