2012 Vermont Statutes
Title 03 Appendix Executive Orders
Chapter 10 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
§ 39 (No. 06-12) [Interagency Green Infrastructure Council

Executive Order No. 10-39. (No. 06-12) [Interagency Green Infrastructure Council

WHEREAS, stormwater runoff contributes to the risk of flooding and contributes to the deterioration of water quality, especially in developing and urban areas;

WHEREAS, stormwater runoff negatively affects habitat and biological resources, public health and the aesthetics of waterways;

WHEREAS, green stormwater infrastructure systems and practices restore and maintain natural hydrologic processes in order to reduce the volume and water quality impacts of the built environment while providing multiple societal benefits;

WHEREAS, the use of green stormwater infrastructure practices in both development and redevelopment projects provides a number of benefits, including the protection and improvement of water quality, improved floodplain management, an increase in wetland and riparian habitat, improved community value and aesthetics and long term cost savings from reduced conventional stormwater infrastructure;

WHEREAS, the Vermont Departments of Environmental Conservation and Forests, Parks and Recreation have developed The Vermont Green Stormwater Infrastructure Initiative Strategic Plan: 2011-2013, which identifies objectives and strategies for promoting and building green stormwater infrastructure by design professionals, municipalities, property owners and Vermont state agencies; and

WHEREAS, the State of Vermont can serve as a model for the use of green stormwater infrastructure systems and practices and thus promote and encourage this approach in all sectors of the Vermont economy in order to protect Vermont's waterways.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Peter Shumlin, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor, do hereby establish the Interagency Green Infrastructure Council.

I. Composition and Appointments

Members of the Council shall include: The Secretaries of Natural Resources, Transportation and Commerce, and the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings and General Services or their designees. Members shall serve for the duration of their appointment as Secretary or Commissioner.

II. Council Charge

The responsibilities of the Council shall include, but not be limited to:

A. Identifying opportunities for the integration of green stormwater infrastructure systems and practices into existing state programs;

B. Initiating a process for the development of a technical guidance for implementation of green stormwater infrastructure systems and practices;

C. Establishing a plan and timeframe for the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure systems and practices associated with state properties and state constructed projects;

D. Identifying state agency liaisons to support green stormwater infrastructure implementation within their agencies;

E. Identifying and undertaking green stormwater infrastructure research and monitoring studies; and

F. Identifying on-going and sustainable funding sources to support regional planning, coordination, and implementation efforts.

In addition, each member shall oversee a Green Stormwater Infrastructure Implementation work plan prepared by each Agency and Department represented on the Council. The work plans will be presented to the Governor by January 1, 2013, and follow-up reports shall be submitted each year after for the duration of this Order.

III. Council Process

The Council shall meet no less than twice a year and shall be attached to the Agency of Natural Resources for administrative support. The Council may elect a Chair.

IV. Effective Date

This Order shall take effect upon signing and expire on January 1, 2017.

Dated March 7, 2012