Bill Text: DE SCR52 | 2013-2014 | 147th General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: Proclaiming September 13 To September 20, 2014 As Sea-level Rise Awareness Week In Delaware.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2014-06-10 - Passed in House by Voice Vote [SCR52 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2013-SCR52-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:	Sen. Sokola & Rep. Q. Johnson

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 52

PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 13 TO SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 AS SEA-LEVEL RISE AWARENESS WEEK IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS Delaware has the lowest mean elevation of any state in the nation and 381 miles of shoreline; and

WHEREAS three feet of sea-level rise will inundate 10,000 homes by disrupting septic systems, drinking water and increasing the extent of periodic flooding; and

WHEREAS Delaware's existing natural flood barriers such as wetlands, streamside forests, and sand dunes should be preserved as they provide a defense against flooding in developed areas; and

WHEREAS sea-level rise could result in nearly all of Delaware's tidal wetlands converting to open water, representing a tremendous loss in habitat, fisheries production, flood attenuation, recreation and ecotourism; and

WHEREAS sea-level rise will impact our drinking water, wastewater, tourism, industrial sites, farmland, natural resources and wildlife habitat, and residents; and

WHEREAS the impacts of sea-level rise goes beyond environmental concerns affecting Delaware jobs and economy; and

WHERAS green infrastructure such as wetlands, rain gardens, and natural areas mitigate flooding and capture carbon emissions; and

WHEREAS according to the "Economic Value of Delaware Estuary Watershed" report Delaware's existing green infrastructure provide over $1.4 billion in eco-system services; and

WHEREAS On September 12, 2013 Governor Markell signed Executive Order 41 requiring state agencies to coordinate with one another and incorporate sea-level rise into future infrastructure planning; and

WHEREAS the 2013 Sea-Level Rise Awareness week reached over 2,000 people designating an increase in the awareness, education and knowledge of Delaware residents.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 147th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that we do proclaim September 13 through September 20, 2014 as Sea-Level Rise Awareness Week in Delaware, and call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution proclaims September 13 – 20, 2014 as Sea Level Rise Awareness Week in Delaware.

Author: Senator Sokola