Executive Order Number Eighty-Five Creating The Delaware Redevelopment Authority
WHEREAS, the Major Robert Kirkwood United States Army Reserve Center (hereinafter “Army Reserve Center” or “Reserve Center”) has made a significant and valuable contribution to the Metropolitan Wilmington area, New Castle County and the State of Delaware; and
WHEREAS, the Final Report of the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission recommended the closure of the Army Reserve Center; and
WHEREAS, the operational and economic impact the closure of the Army Reserve Center spans multiple jurisdictions, and the future utilization of this valuable facility is a great concern for the citizens in the State of Delaware; and
WHEREAS, it is essential to have a proper and adequate revitalization plan in order to provide for the citizens and enhance the communities that are likely to be adversely affected by the closure of the Army Reserve Center;
NOW THEREFORE, I, RUTH ANN MINNER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare and order the following:
1. The Delaware Redevelopment Authority (hereafter “Authority”) is hereby established.
2. The Authority will serve as the Local Redevelopment Authority to respond to the needs of the Delawareans and communities impacted by the closure of the Reserve Center.
3. The Authority shall work with the Department of Defense to transition the Reserve Center from military ownership to private, state or local government control.
4. The Authority shall examine and make recommendations for the public benefit concerning the closure of the Reserve Center in the areas of economic development, infrastructure, transportation and environment.
5. The members of the Authority shall consist of the following:
a. one member of the Delaware House of Representatives appointed by the Governor;
b. one member of the Delaware Senate appointed by the Governor;
c. the Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office or her designee;
d. the Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard or his designee;
e. one representative of the New Castle County Government to be appointed by the New Castle County Executive;
f. one representative appointed by each member of the Delaware Congressional delegation; and
g. four members appointed by the Governor; one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector with relevant business experience or background; one of whom shall be knowledgeable in environmental protection, conservation and land use issues; one of whom shall be knowledgeable of needs of the homeless in Wilmington, New Castle County and the State; and one of whom shall be a representative of the local community being impacted by the closure of the Center.
All members of the Authority shall serve at the pleasure of the person or authority appointing them. The Chairperson of the Authority shall be appointed from among its members by the Governor and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
6. The Authority shall report its progress to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Governor by May 1, 2007.
Approved: April 13, 2006
