Thursday, November 29, 2012

Kent County Joins 'Bay Diet' Resistance Movement

The county is a partner in Dorchester County's TMDL Coalition after a 2-1 vote Tuesday night. The initial cost is $25,000.

Kent County commissioners Ron Fithian and Billy Short favored joining, while Commissioner William Pickrum dissented.

The coalition consists of Dorchester, Frederick, Caroline, Carroll, Allegany and Cecil counties, and now Kent, too. Worcester County turned down a chance to join.

Since October, the law firm Funk & Bolton has contacted local governments to line up at least eight partners, and also has contacted Somerset, Harford, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's and Wicomico counties. They have yet to decide.

Dorchester has claimed that the state's plan for pollution reduction is too costly. Conowingo Dam has also come under fire as a source of silt and nutrient pollution when major storms strike. Dorchester's council asked Funk & Bolton to come up with supporting material for lobbying efforts but could not afford the price without partner counties.
There's a lot of money at stake; counties are wise not to give in too easily.


No comments:

Post a Comment