1/21/2009 Hill/Obama letter

Dear President Obama,
 
As an American, today I have a renewed sense of purpose to serve those in my community on issues that are important and need someone to give it a voice and be heard. 
 
I read the letter you wrote to your daughters prior to you taking the Oath of Office.  As a parent of 2 girls ages 7 & 10, you spoke my words.  Your commitment to your children and promising to leave them a planet that is in better shape than when handed to you, spoke volumes to me. 
 
I love my own children as fiercely as you and Michelle do yours.  Your Inaugural speech was awe-inspiring.  The fact that almost 2 milllion people came together for a peaceful celebration on how democracy can and should work, says it all.  I am truly proud to be an American this morning, and vow my service to my community to help rebuild this country from the ground up.
 
I have recently been asked to serve as VP on the board of the Delaware Riverside Conservancy, or the DRC.  This is a grassroots advocacy group that formed as a result of repetitive flooding that occured along the Delaware River from upstate NY to the state of Delaware.  We are a non-profit organization working towards better river management, and repairs and upgrades to current river structures, such as dams, reservoirs, and flood gates.
 
The current plan and governing body in place is the "decree parties of 1954" that is comprised of the governors of NY, PA, NJ, Del, and the federal gov't. They make up the Delaware River Basin Bridge Commission or DRBC.  They collaborate on how the management of the river should be, and direct their orders to the 'Riverkeeper(s).' 
 
The 55 year old piece of legislation needs to be revisited by this pact of leaders.  There are several factors why.
 
1)  There has been a huge increase of development in and around the Delaware River since 1954, including development in and around tributaries that drain into the Delaware between the points affected.
 
2)  Dams, reservoirs, and flood gates built and installed decades ago, have not been properly managed with regular inspections and routine upkeep and or repair. 
 
3)  As a result of the above mentioned, a collaboration of 7 advocacy groups banned together to speak for a common goal, we strongly believe this matter is an infrastructure issue, and a cause for National concern. 
 
4)  During the 3 floods, Sept.' 04, April ' 05, & June ' 06, the 3 reservoirs in NY, Cannonville, Pepacton, and Neversink, including Lake Wallenpaupak, were at or near capacity.  Since there was no room for collecting storm water run-off in these 4 areas, it exacerbated flood crest levels up and down the 4 states affected by 4 ft to 6 ft.  For many, this would have meant the difference of no flooding to only minor flooding to their property.  Think of the money that could be saved if only we took sensible action to regulate the reservoir levels so that there are ALWAYS voids in the them to collect snow pack melt in the winter, along with, and immediately followed by, spring rains?  
 
I am a riverfront resident who has endured the 3 floods in 21 mths, and the winter flood in Jan ' 96.  I've also been raising my family through all this.  This is not my first time serving the community.  I have in small ways since 2001 when I was a member of a local MOMS club.  Today I serve as chair on the playground committee at my daughters' school.  We've spent the last 2 years raising over $56k to replace an old, dilapidated playground at the Forks Township Elementary School, in Easton, Pa.  I also serve as the PTA Secretary.  I'm very involved with the school, and being of service where needed.  We have a great Executive Board on our PTA, and we are enthusiastic in our approach to PTA and how it can enrich the families lives. 
 
While I have been contemplating putting my name in for consideration of VP for the DRC, I've decided to accept the nomination after reading the article being sent to you on the woman who endured 11 floods, and after listening to and watching you in your historical moment yesterday.
 
I believe the fact that all these people descended upon DC in a peaceful way, speaks volumes to the fact that WE are collectively behind you.  WE are ready for "change."  We're ready to hear your ideas to make our planet healthier.  Use our resourses more wisely.  Stop waste and corruption.  And make governement truly, of the people, by the people and for the people, instead of for the corporate CEO's, crooked on- the- take politicians, and Wall Street tycoons.  How much money can they can keep from instead of helping this country?  Perfect example, Bernie Madoff.  He tries to get rid of wordly possessions to friends and family, so as not to be broke should he ever get out of his situation.  He stole from non-profits and charities.  Honestly, how does the man lay his head on a pillow at night?
 
Please read the information below.  This situation is of immediate importance.  We've had several snow events already in the northeast, and this is only mid Jan.  Then we have spring rains.  Last year was dry, but that doesn't mean that will happen this year.  The 3 reservoirs are already 10 to 20 % above normal capacity levels for this time of year.  Addtional snow pack melt, coupled with a large volume rain event, brings the probability of another major flood.
 
There are steps we can take now to combat a possible flood.  For starters, maintaining safety voids in the reservoirs of 20% below capacity.  It's a documented- through- study amount that maximizes 3 main issues.  1- is drinking water supply, 2- is maintenence of aquatic life and ecosystems that rely on the river, and 3- for flood mitigation.
 
NYC uses the reservoirs as a source of drinking water, but not the only one.  These reservoirs hold 270 billion gals collectively, yet NYC uses but 1 bill gals/day.  That 1 billion is not all from reservoir supplies.  Clearly the scales are tipped here.  This is what we as advocacy groups are trying to point out, but it falls on deaf ears with the DRBC.
 
I implore your team to address this issue as that of national infrastructure repairs needed.  What we are asking for is not unlike funds and workers to fix roads and bridges.  The Delaware River is a vital tributary in this part of the country.  It deserves the proper attention to ensure it's safe for all who rely upon it, without being indifferent to its concerns and continue to allow "man-made" flooding to occur. 
 
Please visit the DRC website as well. www.drconline.org .  View the 2 video presentations on their homepage.  Research some of the work they've done in the past 5 yrs.  Their efforts have paid off many times, but the issues of the new FFMP, accompanied with the new flood plain model we are awaiting ( now delayed 90 days, due 1/09, now not due for release till 4/30/09.), are immediate cause for concern.  We are trying desperately to avoid another major flood this year.
 
How much did it cost the federal gov't for those 3 floods from ' 04 - ' 06?  This proposal presented by the advocacy groups is designed to look at all aspects and do the 1 immediate, low cost, common sense thing we can do, which is begin a steady release of the reservoirs when and until they reach 80% capacity.  Followed by a system of releases when necessary to maintain an 80% capacity or 20% void, should also be the change in legislation to accommodate the fact that the current legislation is 55 yrs old, and there have been signifigant changes in climate, geography( development), and the natural erosion of the river.  
 
I humbly thank you for your time and consideration in this matter of urgency.  I am currently planning a "flood summit" meeting, with parties from all sides of the issues to discuss the prevention and mitigtion of future flooding on the Delaware.  If your office would like info as to time and place of this meeting, I'll gladly send it to you.  I have personally been working with Collin Long and Carol Halper with Congressman Dent's office on these river issues.  Congressman Dent has co-founded the Delaware River Flood Task Force in efforts to assist his constituents affected.  I'm sure if there is any further info requested, you could contact his office.
 
With the utmost admiration and respect.  Sincerely,
 
Linda K. Hill
Forks Township, Easton, Pa.