Report
DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delawareans could soon see changes to a host of planning, construction, land use and environmental practices based on a report outlining the threat of rising sea levels on the state.
Members of Delaware's Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee presented a final report Thursday assessing the state's vulnerability to sea level rise. It recommended ways to protect transportation systems, water systems and low-lying communities.
Its recommendations range from improving understanding of the loss of coastal industrial areas and assisting homebuyers to know about the impact on a property to constructing a model for building a model for storm water inundation.
Committee members presented their findings to state environmental secretary Collin O'Mara. Officials hope to have the final report printed and released by Sept. 14, the start of what state lawmakers have designated Sea Level Rise Awareness Week. Workshops on implementing the report's recommendations will begin in January.
The committee's vulnerability assessment found that 8 to 11 percent of Delaware's total land area could be inundated by a sea level rise of 1.6 feet to 4.9 feet by 2100, affecting up to 17,000 residences and 48 miles of roads and bridges.
Reaction
The Wilmington News Journal reports that John Taylor, senior vice president of the State Chamber of Commerce said from a business point of view knowledge is important when come to the issue.
The best role for government, he says, is yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, the Home Builders Association of Delaware warned that the projections and approach could have far reaching unintended consequences to Delaware’s economy.
The Association urged a change of course and oversight by the General Assembly.
Meanwhile, the League of Women Voters of Delaware called for seller disclosures that would identify threats to property vulnerable to sea level rise.
