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Susquehanna River Basin Compact
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| Susquehanna River Basin Compact | |
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| Formation date: | 1970 |
| Member jurisdictions: | 3 |
| Issue(s): | Natural resource management; Flood control |
| Compact website | |
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The Susquehanna River Basin Compact is an interstate compact among Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania. The compact provides for tri-state management of efforts to conserve, develop, and administer the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin. The compact also has congressional consent.[1]
History
The Susquehanna River and its tributaries drain 27,510 square miles spread over parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The river is approximately 444 miles long, and its basin borders some of the east coast's major population centers.[2]
Although the river basin itself has remained relatively untouched, the development of the surrounding areas has caused water pollution. Because the river is classified as a navigable waterway and runs through three states, no one jurisdiction can sufficiently address these issues and plan for future management. The compact, formed in 1970, allowed for a concerted management effort that spans state boundaries and addresses the unique problems associated with management of the basin's water resources.[2]
Governance
The compact created the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to coordinate the water resource management efforts of the three states and the federal government. The commission is composed of four members: one from each of the three members states and a representative of the federal government who is appointed by the president.[2]
The commission is charged with managing the basin's water resources. Its members work to reduce damages caused by floods, plan development projects, protect water quality, and ensure the future availability of flows to the Chesapeake Bay. There are six priority management areas of the commission:[2]
- Water supply
- Water quality
- Flooding
- Ecosystems
- Chesapeake Bay
- Coordination, cooperation and public information[2]
Text of the compact
The legislature of each member state passes the laws with certain and modifications, but the core of the legislation remains the same.
See also
External links
- The Council of State Governments - National Center for Interstate Compacts
- Susquehanna River Basin Compact
- Susquehanna River Basin Commission
Footnotes
