Fitzpatrick Calls on Rendell to Look Upstream to End Delaware Flooding

Fitzpatrick Calls on Rendell to Look Upstream to End Delaware Flooding
Sends Letter Urging a New Management Plan with NYC's Reservoirs

Today, Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick sent a letter to Governor Rendell calling on him to enter into a new agreement with New York City for the management of its reservoirs to aid in future flood mitigation.

"As Tropical Storm Ernesto makes its way to landfall we cannot forget that the threat of major storms continues to hover over our region," Fitzpatrick said. "We need to take action before this hurricane season takes full force and Bucks County is faced with another storm."

Fitzpatrick's letter points out that many of his constituents are concerned that a the lack of upstream assistance in recent years by New York City's Delaware Basin reservoirs have added to the ferocity of the floods that have hit Bucks County and its surrounding communities in the past 2 years.

"From what I heard in the public hearings I held shortly after the last flood, I am convinced that a change in the way upstream reservoirs manage their water levels would be a significant action to mitigate future flood damage," Fitzpatrick said.

In his letter, Fitzpatrick also highlights the fact that the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) have been discussing possible solutions to alleviate the damage from excessive rainfall in the region.

One such proposal would mandate that water levels inside the reservoir do not exceed 85 percent capacity, down from the 90 to 95 percent levels at which they are currently maintained. This would provide great benefits to the downstream Pennsylvania residents that have repeatedly had their homes and businesses hurt from Delaware River flooding.

"I believe Governor Rendell needs to take advantage of the momentum already in place to address the role of the reservoirs in flooding," Fitzpatrick said. "Entering into a new management plan that includes lowering the water levels of New York City's reservoirs is a positive step in confronting the specter of future flooding. I hope my letter helps him reach that same conclusion."

"While the four basin states, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, must unanimously approve a new management agreement, a strong push from Pennsylvania could make this option a reality," Fitzpatrick added. "I am open to discussing this further with the governor."

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his first term as Representative of the 8th District of Pennsylvania, which includes Bucks County and portions of Montgomery County and Philadelphia.

http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=49261