Fighting to Protect Rockland from Flooding
Statement
Fighting to Protect Rockland from Flooding
Dear Friends,
Last week our area was pounded with a devastating storm that left several communities under water. I would like to update you on recent meetings I have had with the Army Corps of Engineers and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to help address the flooding problems in Rockland County. These meetings are part of my continuing efforts in Congress to assist in flood control, which is designed to prevent future disasters.
In the wake of the recent storm, I met with the newly appointed Commissioner of the DEC, Alexander B. "Pete" Grannis. This state agency is responsible for certifying and approving all flood control projects in the State of New York. I took this opportunity to mention several projects in Rockland County that were pending DEC permits. I am pleased to report that the Commissioner has vowed to continue to focus his attention on flooding projects in our county. This meeting with Commissioner Grannis followed up on a promise I made last month to confer with the new commissioner after he took office.
"Congressman Engel reviews flood area maps with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers."
For years, I have worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on flooding in areas like Squires Gate in Ramapo, the region below De Forest Lake in Clarkstown, and the area below Wyeth in Orangetown among others. Last year I had the opportunity to visit many of the pending construction sites such as the Ramapo River in addition to several Clarkstown and Orangetown locations with the U.S. Army Corps.
I look forward to continuing my relationship with the EPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, our County Executive and Town Supervisors to coordinate and complete the permit process for these necessary projects. You will be pleased to know I have been successful in obtaining $188,000 for the Ramapo River flood control project. I will continue my efforts to obtain addition funding for all flood control projects in Rockland County.
Sincerely,
Source