Welcome to GetAfloat.com
The on-line resource for boating enthusiasts.

IWA To Support British Waterways Takeover of Environment Agency Navigations

The Inland Waterways Association is to support a proposal that the nevigation authority functions of the Environment Agency should be handed over to British Waterways. The Association's Council recognises that there are widely varying opinions amongst members in all parts of the country, but feels that on balance, it would be in the national interest if management of Rivers Thames, Medway, Nene and Great Ouse, along with the Agency's other navigation interests were passed to British Waterways.

Consideration of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' current quinqennial review of the Environment Agency's functions, and particularly that of navigation, was the subject of a resolution passed by the Association's Council at its January meeting. This resolution will form the Association's principal recommendation to the department.

Richard Drake, IWA National Chairman, said today "We appreciate that this resolution may be the source of some disappointment to the Environment Agency and to some waterway users, we would wish to reassure them that the resolution was passed only afetr a great deal of careful thought and consideration. Council's decision was based on its opinion of the Agency and British Waterway's likely future ability to encourage investment in the inland waterways and the existing legal duties, powers and structures of both organisations. The decision was therefore made with a long-term view."

Richard Drake added "Furthermore, members of Council have made clear that the resolution should in no way reflect upon the Agency's staff, neither those working directly on the navigations, nor those at Regional Offices nor Head Office. We believe that the Agency has a very important role to play in the inland waterways, both as an environmental regulator and as overall co-ordinator of river basin management. Regardless of any change in functions of the Agency, The Inland Waterways Association will continue to seek a close and constructive relationship with the Agency and to work as a willing partner wherever appropriate."