ASSOCIATION OF DRAINAGE AUTHORITIES
The Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) held its inaugural meeting on the 2nd December 1937 at the Connaught Rooms, London, with an initial membership of 120 boards and commissions. ADA's prime functions are:
- to watch over and protect the interests of Drainage Authorities and to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote discussions upon common problems and visits to places of interest;
- to provide a central organisation to protect the interests of Drainage Authorities in relation to Bills in Parliament and measures of a legislative nature or any other matter whatsoever raising questions which may affect Drainage Authorities;
- to take all such steps, including the promotion of and opposition to a Bill in Parliament and/or representation at any Local or other Inquiry as may be considered necessary or desirable for carrying into effect any or all of the objectives of the Association;
- to obtain and disseminate information on matters of importance and interest to Drainage Authorities and to provide means of assistance upon technical and administrative problems including the organisation of demonstrations and exhibitions for the benefit of Members;
- consult and co-operate on matters and questions of common interest to Drainage Authorities and from time to time to take such action or indicate such common policy as may be desirable;
- to act in conjunction with any other body or institution having the like objectives or with which it may be advantageous to the Association to co-operate;
- to publish periodically such reports, bulletins, information and other matters as the Executive Committee may determine.
ADA has grown significantly since 1937 and represents a very broad based interest within flood protection and land drainage. Its views are sought by Government Departments, Agencies, professional bodies and a wide range of other organisations.
Recognising the increasing role of the European Parliament and Commission, ADA was a prime mover in the formation, and a founder member of, the Union of European Flood Control and Water Level Management Associations, the membership of which includes similar bodies to ADA in the member states of the European Union.