The Historic Christina Basin: Delaware’s First Watershed University of Delaware, Clayton Hall
Date
2004-10-13
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Dr. Jerome Lewis welcomed over 200 attendees from government, academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, and the general public to the fourth annual Delaware Water Policy Forum addressing the historic Christina Basin, source of ecological and economic vitality in Delaware. Dr. Lewis welcomed the attendees on behalf of Institute for Pubic Administration. Dubbing the Christina River the “mother of rivers” in this region, Dr. Lewis continued, saying the Brandywine provides the largest source of drinking water in Delaware, economic revitalization is occurring throughout
the Christina Riverfront, and the White Clay Creek has received national designation as a “Wild and Scenic River.” Dr. Lewis asked, what are the economic costs and benefits of what we are calling
Delaware’s first watershed? Severe and recent floods have given a new meaning and respect to floodplains. What is the cost of the buyout of flooded homes? Can society afford to rebuild in the floodplain? How much is fresh drinking water worth? How much should we pay to protect it? What is the economic value of the natural areas and protected resources throughout the state? Dr. Lewis expressed his gratitude to the attendees for demonstrating interest in these important water resources issues and encouraged students and professionals to continue to research and explore the water resources discipline.
Following Dr. Lewis’s welcome, Delaware Water Resources Center Director (DWRC) Dr. J. Thomas Sims thanked the 18 water resource advocates who would discuss various policy and research topics central to the social, economic, and historic conditions as well as the health of the Christina Watershed. Dr. Sims explained DWRC’s student research and training program, which leverages federal and local cosponsor funds to find solutions to Delaware’s priority water problems, and directed listeners to DWRC’s website and publications for statewide water news.