Gov. Carney signs law reforming Coastal Zone Act
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Gov. John Carney signed into law legislation overhauling Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act. The law allows the development of 14 former industrial sites within the coastal zone. It also puts aside funding for the environmental clean-up of the sites.
The signing event yesterday capped off a prolonged legislative fight over the future of the state’s landmark environmental protection law.
“By passing this legislation, the General Assembly recognized that we can clean up our abandoned industrial sites, responsibly redevelop them, and put them back to work for Delawareans,” Carney said. “This new law will help create good-paying jobs, and help us ensure that Delaware’s economy works for all Delawareans.”
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will control the conversion permitting process for the 14 sites.
“The amending of the Coastal Zone Act continues to realize the original intent of the Act in striking a balance between protecting the natural resources and environment of Delaware’s coastal zone, and spurring our state’s economy,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.
Companies may now submit applications for the sites. The applications must include detailed plans for how to offset negative environmental impacts brought on by reuse and prepare for the long-term rise of sea levels.
