This is one example of a Resolution just recently passed through the Districts, on to the
Association, and now being moved on to DCR.
December 22, 2010
The Honorable David Johnson
Director, Department of Conservation & Recreation
Zincke Building
203 Governor Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Dear Director Johnson:
Thank you for recently attending our Annual Meeting in Roanoke, visiting with SWCD staff and
directors, and discussing some of our most critical needs. During our meeting we shared our
concern that 29 of 104 district dams are without DBIZ mapping, have no current plan for
completion, and will be subject to a conditional dam safety permit. We are grateful and very
appreciative of your agreeing at our meeting to allocate approximately $750,000 from the $20
million dollar bond referendum to ensure the timely completion of mapping for all districtowned dams. This funding is critical to avoiding higher public expenditures in the future and to
ensuring public safety.
Attached for your information is the resolution adopted by the VASWCD membership during
our Annual Meeting that pertains to this issue.
We look forward to working with you in 2011 and together furthering our efforts to conserve,
protect and enhance our Commonwealth’s natural resources.
Sincerely yours,
Edward Overton
VASWCD President
CC:
Jack Frye, DCR Soil & Water Division
Mark Meador, DCR Soil & Water Division
VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
7308 Hanover Green Drive, Suite 100  Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111-1793
Office (804) 559-0324  Fax (804) 559-0325
RESOLUTION
Adopted by VASWCD Membership December 7, 2010
WHEREAS,
Most SWCD dams have had the required DBIZ mapping completed with
funding through 2008 bond proceeds ($20M); and
WHEREAS,
The approximately $17.5M that remains from the 2008 funding has now been
set aside for dam rehabilitation projects; and
WHEREAS,
This mapping is required for all dams that fall under the Dam Safety Regulations,
meaning the dams not yet mapped will be out of compliance; and
WHEREAS,
As of 11-20-10 there are reportedly 29 of 104 district dams still needing
mapping, with no current plan for completion; and
WHEREAS,
If the DBIZ mapping is not completed for these dams, they will receive a
Conditional Dam Safety Permit; and
WHEREAS,
Without DBIZ maps, these dams do not adequately support local emergency
preparedness planning; and
WHEREAS,
All unmapped Significant and Low Hazard dams are at risk of being re-classified
at a higher classification unless localities have a tool to control downstream
development; and
WHEREAS,
Once mapped, localities are mandated to incorporate the maps into land
development decisions to help avoid costly upgrades at great public expense.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the VASWCD request the Director of DCR set aside the
needed funds, approximately $750,000, from the $20M million dollar bond referendum to
ensure the timely completion of mapping for all district-owned dams which is crucial to avoid
higher public expenditures in the future.