The federal government apparently is prepared to spend $40 million rebuilding a salt march and shoreline at Prime Hook. Is that really the smart thing to do?
The effort will never eliminate future flooding from Delaware Bay, but it could alleviate recent problems caused by breaks in the dunes. However, scientists tell us that the sea is rising at the same time Delaware is slowing sinking. Storms have grown more severe, with the surges becoming more frequent.
Is spending $40 million on repairs that will never really solve the problem something we should do?
David Carter, conservation chair for the Audubon Society, suggests it might be better to use a portion of that money to buy out the homeowners in that area. He rightly notes that local roads are often impassable during storms.
How much work would be needed to fix all of that? If the sea rise comes as expected, this money will essentially be wasted. How long will we keep trying to fight the ocean?More from the Delaware Audubon Society ~
Part of the problem is that much of the money is coming from Superstorm Sandy funds and has been appropriated to repair the shoreline.
This doesn’t make sense. Certainly, the officials must obey the law. It is not up to them to choose which laws they want to enforce and which directives they would rather ignore. However, state officials and taxpayers should let their views be known.
Mr. Carter also rightly points out the decision to spend the money is way is a political one. It will not solve the problem the lawmakers say it will. It is, ultimately, a political decision. That is a problem. But it also might be a solution. Taxpayers should start telling elected officials to stop wasting money.
Friday, December 6 at Film Brothers Co-Op in Wilmington, 7:00 pm
Conservation Award Recipient: Victor Singer
The 2013 Annual Meeting and Dinner of the Delaware Audubon Society will be held Friday, December 6th at 7:00 pm, and everyone is cordially invited to attend.
The meeting will again be held at the Film Brothers Co-op in downtown Wilmington (see below for directions and parking info). Admission is $25 for an individual, or two for $40, and includes a full buffet dinner. A silent auction will be held to raise funds for Delaware Audubon. Everyone is welcome to attend, but advance registration is requested. Click the "Pay Now" button above to register and pay online. You may also RSVP by emailing dasmail@delawareaudubon.org or calling 302-292-3970. Payment will be accepted at the door by credit card, cash, or check.
The annual Delaware Audubon Conservation Award will be presented to Victor Singer, a staunch and long-time defender of the Coastal Zone Act.
"As an advocate, Vic has demonstrated that long-term persistence and determination are what make a difference," says Dave Carter, Delaware Audubon's conservation chair. Victor Singer's dedication and resolve has had an enormous effect on critical civic and environmental issues in Delaware. Carter adds that "throughout both his professional and civic life, Vic has always set a standard for the highest level of ethical conduct."
Victor Singer has told many Delaware politicians that the solution to a problem "does not require rocket science." He makes that statement with knowledge and conviction because he was, in fact, a rocket scientist. He retired in 2000 from Thiokol/Elkton, where he worked as a structural engineer.
To Delaware Audubon, Vic represents the last member of the Coastal Zone Board truly dedicated to the original intent of the Coastal Zone Act--to protect Delaware's coastal resources for future generations. While he stepped down from the board in 2011, he continues to fight for the integrity of the Act, most recently with his comments on the Governor's effort to streamline regulations in the State.
"Vic's fifty years of commitment to advocacy for the public good is an inspiration to all members of the Delaware Audubon Society," says Delaware Audubon president Mark Martell.
For a complete list of previous Conservation Award recipients, click here.
Directions and Parking
Film Brothers Co-Op is located at 205 N. Market St. in downtown Wilmington, near Al's Sporting Goods. There is limited on-street parking, as well as ample parking in a large garage across the street. Enter your starting address below for Mapquest directions to Film Brothers Co-Op.
Plus, I have a Coastal Zone Act Update post in draft. Stay Tuned!
~*~
0 comments:
Post a Comment