Steve Tambini was sworn in Thursday 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 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 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.

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