Delaware General Assembly


CHAPTER 785

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 19

PERTAINING TO PROPOSED TERMINAL FACILITIES IN THE DELAWARE BAY.

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware owns certain lands located in the Delaware Bay, approximately four (4) miles off shore from Big Stone Beach; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware has entered into a compact with the State of New Jersey, being 17 Delaware Code § 1701, etc., which may have granted control and responsibility, inter alia, over "terminal facilities" in the Delaware River and Delaware Bay to the Delaware River and Bay Authority; and

WHEREAS, it has been proposed that a "terminal facility" be constructed approximately four (4) miles off shore from Big Stone Beach to permit oil tankers to transfer their cargo at that point; and

WHEREAS, a leak or a malfunctioning of the equipment at said facility "could not only damage our shoreline and environment, but endanger the livelihood of thousands of our citizens"; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of Delaware are cognizant of the oil catastrophes that have plagued the shoreline of California, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and Great Britain; and

WHEREAS, Governor Peterson has placed a moratorium on all development in the Delaware Bay area pending the completion of a master plan for the region.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the 125th General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, respectfully requests His Excellency, the Governor, to exercise restraint and thoroughly review the situation and problem before making any decision concerning the location of terminal facilities in the Delaware Bay.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor request studies to be made of all aspects of the terminal facilities, navigational problems, loading and unloading operations, and economic impact on the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be made a part of the Journal of the Senate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to each member of the Congress of the United States elected from the State of Delaware, the Governor of the State of New Jersey, and to the District Engineer of the United States Army Corps of Engineers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Approved May 7, 1970.