Minutes 04/27/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 27, 2004 Purpose and Need: · The President's proposed 2005 budget will cut federal funding to the Army Corps of Engineers from an average of $1.1 million per year for the past five years to $435,000 per year for the operation and maintenance of the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. · With this drastic cut in funds, the Army Corps cannot continue to clear debris from the channel and operate the locks that allow thousands of large boats to pass through the Canal each year, many en route to Portsmouth and its marinas. Financial Impact: · The financial impact is not quantified at this time. However, if the Canal is not passable for large, pleasure boats, this could impact Portsmouth's marina business and boating industry. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Whitehurst, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RESTORATION OF FULL FUNDING FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE GREAT DISMAL SWAMP CANAL. WHEREAS, the President's proposed 2005 budget will cut federal funding to the Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of the Great Dismal Swamp Canal from a five-year average of $1,100,000 to $435,000; and WHEREAS, with this drastic cut in funds, the Army Corps cannot continue to clear debris from the channel and operate the locks that allow thousands of large boats to pass through the Canal each year; and WHEREAS, the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, which is the oldest continuously operating canal in the United States and is the western branch of the Intracoastal Waterway, is a very important historical and ecological landmark and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places; and WHEREAS, the Canal is also very important in flood control in the City of Chesapeake and northeastern North Carolina, as has been clearly demonstrated during Hurricanes Floyd in 1999 and Isabel in 2003; and WHEREAS, in addition to flood control, the Canal is also valuable for recreation, boat traffic, and tourism, and will be a valuable tool to boost the economy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that it hereby requests the United States Congress to restore full funding to the Army Corps of Engineers for the operation and maintenance of the Great Dismal Swamp Canal in order to maintain the current level of usefulness of this vital historic and ecological landmark. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the City's Congressional delegation and to the Mayor and members of the Chesapeake, Virginia City Council." Ayes: Benn, Griffin, Moody, Pitts, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None - New Business - 04 - 161 - Boards and Commissions There were no appointments.