The Community Ombudsman serves as a liaison between the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and communities throughout the state. The ombudsman helps communities identify and understand environmental problems. And helps the department understand the needs of communities.

The Community Ombudsman serves as an advocate for communities and helps communities gather information about the environment and about departmental programs.

The position was created as a result of the legislation that created the Community Involvement Advisory Council (CIAC) in 2001 (73 Del. Laws, c. 117).

Community Involvement Advisory Council

The Community Ombudsman serves as lead staff for the Community Involvement Advisory Council (CIAC), which works to increase the flow of information between communities and the department, increases community participation, and facilitates dialogue among all stakeholders during the decision-making process.

Community Environmental Project Fund

The Community Ombudsman works with the Community Involvement Advisory Council to advise the secretary of DNREC on the Community Environmental Project Fund, which provides money to support the restoration of the environment in communities that were damaged by environmental pollution.

Related Topics:  assistance, communities, community services, public involvement