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DRBC's New Executive Director Takes Oath of Office

For Immediate Release

August 14, 2014

(Titusville, N.J.) -- Steve Tambini was sworn in today as the Delaware River Basin Commission's new executive director at a brief ceremony held on the banks of the Delaware River at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, N.J.

"I am thankful for the opportunity and privilege to be the Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission," said Mr. Tambini. "I truly look forward to working with you to uphold the basin compact and collectively manage this magnificent resource."

He was administered the oath of office by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin, who is the first alternate for Gov. Chris Christie on the DRBC. Also present and providing remarks were Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo, the first alternate for Gov. Tom Corbett on the commission, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Bliss, the first alternate for Brigadier General Kent D. Savre, the DRBC's federal member. Mr. Tambini also received welcoming remarks from the signatory states of Delaware and New York.

"I commit to working with Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the federal government to carry out my oath of office, while meeting our common goals and your unique needs," Executive Director Tambini said. "Together, we will plan for a sustainable future to meet the region's water demands while balancing the need for greater water efficiency. We will use the expertise of the commission's signatory members, DRBC staff, and our many partners to protect, maintain, or improve the basin's water quality."

The Aug. 14 ceremony was attended by Mr. Tambini's family along with invited guests from various state and city government partners as well as current and former DRBC staff.

Steve Tambini is only the fourth executive director in the DRBC's 53-year history. He succeeds Carol R. Collier (appointed in 1998) who retired in March 2014, Gerald M. Hansler (appointed in 1977), and James F. Wright (appointed in 1962).

Tambini, 55, is a native of New York and a long-time resident of Burlington County, N.J. He brings over 30 years of experience in water supply engineering and water resource planning, management and operations to the DRBC. His previous work on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the Delaware River has allowed him to develop and build relationships with regulators and stakeholders throughout the basin. He holds a B.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, both from Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. He is a registered professional engineer in New Jersey and New York.

The DRBC is a federal/interstate government agency responsible for managing the water resources within the 13,539 square-mile Delaware River Basin without regard to political boundaries. The five commission members are the governors of the basin states (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) and the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' North Atlantic Division, who represents the federal government.

Information about the DRBC and its water supply, water conservation, water quality, flow/drought management, flood loss reduction, project review, and planning programs can be found on the commission's web site at www.drbc.net.

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Contact: Clarke Rupert, DRBC, 609-883-9500 ext. 260, clarke.rupert@drbc.state.nj.us

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N.J. DEP Commissioner Martin speaking at the oath of office ceremony for DRBC Exec. Director Steve Tambini.Pa. DEP Secretary Abruzzo speaking at the oath of office ceremony for DRBC Exec. Director Steve Tambini.Lt. Col. Bliss speaking at the oath of office ceremony for DRBC Exec. Director Steve Tambini.Bryan Ashby (DNREC) speaking at the oath of office ceremony for DRBC Exec. Director Steve Tambini.Commissioner Martin administering the oath of office to Steve Tambini, with Steve's wife, Laura, holding the Bible.DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini offering remarks at his oath of office ceremony.(from left to right) Secretary Abruzzo, Commissioner Martin, Steve Tambini, LTC Bliss, and Bryan Ashby.

View additional photos on DRBC's Flickr page.