DRBA welcomes new Delaware commissioner
The Delaware River and Bay Authority Commission welcomed a new board member June 17 as Vice Chairman William E. Lowe III administered the Commission Oath of Office to James L. Ford III of Lewes prior to the bi-state agency’s monthly meeting. On June 11, the Delaware State Senate confirmed his nomination, and Ford’s term extends to July 1, 2017.
“I am honored that Gov. Jack Markell selected me to represent and serve the residents of Sussex County and the State of Delaware as an authority commissioner,” Ford said. “Working together with my fellow commissioners and authority staff, I am confident that I will be able to make a positive contribution to the governance, policies, and activities of the authority.”
In 1987, Ford was appointed to serve on the Lewes Planning Commission and Lewes Board of Adjustment and Appeals, beginning his more than 25 years of public service to the City of Lewes. In 1992, the community-minded public servant won a seat on Lewes City Council. Twelve years later, Ford was elected mayor of Lewes, a position he held for 10 years.
“As both a successful private business owner and dedicated public servant, Mayor Ford brings a wealth of experience to the DRBA,” Lowe said. “We’re thrilled to have him on the board.”
“Given his experiences, talents and knowledge, Jim is a tremendous addition to the board,” remarked Executive Director Scott A. Green. “Commission service is a significant commitment, and we appreciate his willingness to serve the people of Delaware and New Jersey.”
Active in numerous civic and community activities, Ford is a board member of the Greater Lewes Foundation, co-chair of the Lewes Public Library Capital Campaign, as well as a member of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation, Fort Miles Historic Association and Friends of the Lewes Public Library. He is also a past board member of the Lewes Historical Society and an honorary member of the Lewes Fire Department.
A graduate of Newark High School in 1971, Ford earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Delaware four years later. Since 1976, Ford has worked in the Lewes-area community as a self-employed contractor, specializing in historic renovations and custom carpentry. Residing in Lewes, Ford and his wife, Teresa, also jointly own Kids’ Ketch Inc., a toy store specializing in academic and creative toys.
The commission is composed of 12 commissioners - six each from New Jersey and Delaware - who are appointed by their respective governors.
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, the Three Forts Ferry Crossing and the Salem Business Centre in Carney’s Point Twp., NJ. The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities. For more information, go to www.drba.net.
