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Anne Arundel
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Anne Arundel
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On Feb 1, 2005, the AAWRA held its second board meeting, with a full quorum present, including a board of nine representatives, and continued the outline of a strategy for 2005 and outyears. This is the 9th meeting, the 2nd board meeting since the incorporation on January 7, 2005 of AAWRA. There were no guest speakers present. Bob Whitcomb presented an article in the Annapolis Capitol that provided an excellent introduction of the AAWRA and our goals. We will continue to work with the Capitol to spread the word to the public at large. Bob Whitcomb related his recent experience providing testimony to the State Legislature. He's been given advice and guidance from numerous lawmakers, government officials, friends, environmentalists, neighborhoods, regarding the government process of bills and legislation, politics, economics, law, science, journalism, etc. The advice helped him effectively relate the goals and position of the AAWRA to the committee receiving his testimony, speaking on behalf of a bill submitted by Delegate Leopold in the House. A similar bill was introduced by Senator John Astle in the Senate. Another bill introduced by Delegate Cadden in the House aims to replenish the Waterway Improvement Fund (WIF) up to a total of $19M if the State sees a surplus that exceeds $60M. The membership sees both of these bills as important and positive steps towards the goals of the AAWRA and that the bills have the same basic intent, although they propose two different approaches. As such, the AAWRA will be providing non-partisan testimony in support of both bills. Bob Gaudette of DNR has indicated that the Govenor's budget has $20M currently slated for WIF. Bob Whitcomb stated that he has a requested a meeting with County Executive Owens and that he is awaiting to hear from staff. General Discussion Jay Phillips, Treasurer, reported that he is in the process of establishing a checking account for the Alliance and that all checks received will be held until that account is available. He also plans to brief the Md Senate on 3 February on behalf of the AAWRA. Vern Penner offered perspective on the legislative procedure and the level of success that the AAWRA has already achieved just to be invited to the table. He also indicated that Bob's appearance at a hearing that was well attended by news reporters will also help our cause. Bill Edmonston reminded us that we must monitor the County budget when it is reviewed in February by the Planning Advisory Board. Also, Bill reported that the State of Maryland accepted our incorporation papers. We still need to contact marinas and businesses about getting involved in AAWRA, including John Wright, Whitehall Marina; Bert Jabin, and other Boat yards and yacht clubs in Annapolis; Herrington Harbor, Chaney family which owns Town Point, Shady Oaks marina on West River. Boats US should also be contacted to determine their interest in supporting the AAWRA in some way. South River Federation is pursuing litigation with EPA and possibly DNR with respect to environment protection (Drew and Fred). As such, they probably aren't interested in assisting with the current work of the AAWRA to build a partnership with county and state organizations. There was mention of a South County Group called SACRED which has been very active in stoppping development in South County. Sam Crispin suggested that dredging scientists be invited to speak and Geoffrey O. Thomas suggested dredging contractors be invited to speak. It was generally agreed that it may be problematic to have the AAWRA associated with specific contractors, but that asking scientists to educate us about the entire dredging process would be beneficial. Frank Pittelli introduced an article from Boat U.S. Magazine that described some of the ways that New Jersey is considering for making use of dredge materials. NJ has a number of state departments looking at ways to improve the overall dredging process, which may be useful as a starting point for AAWRA research. See Dredging up pay dirt for the complete article. There was further discussion of the need to learn more about how spoils are handled elsewhere and how AAWRA may help create positive PR for handling dredge spoils. Someone suggested we could apply for a grant to conduct a Summit meeting of experts on dredge spoils.
Charlie Burke, Secretary
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