NEWS AND UPDATES
Archived, June 2005

Sprawl Prevention Act Introduced in Delaware General Assembly
The Sprawl Prevention Act, House Bill 280, has been introduced in the Delaware General Assembly. The bill, a part of the Livable Delaware agenda to curb sprawl and protect the sustainability of Delaware's agriculture industry, is sponsored by state Rep. Robert J. Valihura and state Sen. David P. Sokola. It targets stand-alone community wastewater systems that enable larger, more dense developments in rural areas where state and local governments have planned for preservation rather than growth. Under the legislation, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control would not permit such systems for residential use in these designated non-growth areas. [See related Governor's Office News Release]
(6/28/05)

Kent County Levy Court Commissioner Asks County Residents to Support Anti-Sprawl Legislation
Kent County Levy Court Commissioner P. Brooks Banta has published a Guest Opinion in the Delaware State News in support of the Sprawl Prevention Act, a key component of Governor Minner's Livable Delaware Legislative Agenda. In his Column, published on June 22, 2005, Mr. Banta says "a Livable Delaware bill that will attempt to rein in sprawl and protect our rural quality of life deserves the support of Kent Countians."
(6/23/005)

Legislation to Create GIS Coordination Council Introduced
Senate Bill 186, which would create a Geospatial Data Coordinating Council, was introduced in the Delaware General Assembly on June 21, 2005. The Council, which would replace the existing Delaware Spatial Data Implementation Team, created by Executive Order, would also formalize the Delaware Geographic Data Committee as a user's group to give input to the Council. The new Council would be charged with coordinating the use and sharing of geospatial data and information among all levels of government, and with the academic and private sectors. The Council would also set geospatial data standards, ensure data publication, and oversee the maintenance of a digital base map for Delaware. The Act also clarifies requirements for the publication of geospatial data and information.
(6/22/05)

University of Delaware Offers GIS Workshop for Local Government Leaders
The University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration will offer a day-long GIS workshop (PDF) for Local Government Leaders on Thursday, July 14. The workshop, which qualifies for certificate credit in the Academy for Excellence in Local Government Leadership, will be held on the College of Marine Studies campus, in Lewes. This will be an entry-level workshop for local elected officials and staff, intended to provide an overview of how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data and software are used by local governments. The cost is $50 per person. Class size is limited; preregistration is required. The registration deadline is July 8.
(6/17/05)

Garrison's Lake Advisory Panel Plans Public Workshop
An advisory panel of elected officials, state officials, and local representatives will hold a public workshop on Thursday, July 7, to gather public input on how best to plan for the future of the Garrison's Lake Golf Course site. The Garrison's Lake course had closed and the site had been proposed for a new residential development. State legislators provided funds to DelDOT to purchase the site. The advisory panel was brought together to help plan for the future of the site; it has generated three general scenarios for how to proceed: maintain the site as a golf course, develop it for active recreation, or create a nature preserve. The panel is seeking input on these ideas at the workshop, which is set for 4:00 p.m. at the Cheswold Fire Hall, on Main Street, in Cheswold. [DELDOT NEWS RELEASE]
(6/15/05)

Agendas Posted for June PLUS Meetings
Agendas have been posted for the three Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) meetings that are scheduled to review the 22 projects submitted for review in June, 2005. The meetings are scheduled for June 22, June 29, and July 6. All will begin at 8:30 a.m. The June 22 and June 29 meetings will be held in the Third Floor Conference Room of the Thomas Collins Building, on S. Dupont Highway, In Dover. The July 6 meeting will be held in the First Floor Conference Room of the Thomas Collins Building.
(6/6/05)

Job Posting: Delaware Greenways Executive Director
Delaware Greenways is looking for a new Executive Director. Delaware Greenways is a nonprofit agency committed to the preservation and enhancement of Delawares natural, scenic, historic, cultural and recreational resources. They have added a Job Posting to their website and are looking for qualified candidates.
(6/6/05)