Agriculture

DeGazon To Introduce Bill Mandating The Clearing Of Ponds, With Potential Benefits Of Flood Mitigation, Free Water For Farmers

Senator Allison DeGazon has been working on a measure calling for the clearing of ponds in the territory, the senator told The Consortium this week. The potential benefits of such a bill include flood mitigation and the provision of much-needed water for farmers and their livestock, among other upsides. According to Ms. DeGazon, the bill is a stormwater management plan, and it mandates that the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture identify and clear existing ponds in the territory, beginning with five on St. Croix and two on St. Thomas. The measure is expected to be before relevant committees soon. "We are hoping that for the next session this will be one of the bills that we will hear," Ms. DeGazon said. She said the water management bill is important because it turns water back into a resource and not a nuisance. "It stops the runoff into the streets and into the neighborhoods that's causing safety and flooding hazards, and directs the ...