Flood warning gauges on Delaware River saved
New York officials find enough funds after residents in Easton, Rieigelsville areas complained about cuts.
By Brian Callaway
Of The Morning Call
April 9, 2009

Officials say they've cobbled together the money they need to save the endangered monitoring devices used to warn of flooding along the Delaware River.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced plans last month to scuttle dozens of stream gauges because of budget troubles. That drew howls from people down river, who've long felt New York leaders have ignored concerns about the types of floods that devastated communities such as Easton and Riegelsville in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey announced a coalition of different agencies have agreed to pay enough to keep as many as 17 gauges open.

''It's very important,'' said Gary Firda of the Geological Survey's Water Science Center, ''especially from a public safety standpoint.''

It will cost about $250,000 per year to keep the gauges operating, he said.

According to a Geological Survey news release, New York City's Department of Environmental Protection will be providing some of the money it originally planned to cut, while the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning System and the Army Corps of Engineers will also contribute.

The gauges are used for various purposes, such as tracking for pollution and monitoring conditions for boating or fishing.

Some of the gauges are also used by the National Weather Service to monitor water flow and levels along the river, which are critical in deciding when people should evacuate before a flood hits.

While some stream gauges will still be closed for lack of funding, Firda said the plan announced Wednesday will cover all of the gauges used to warn of potential flooding.

brian.callaway@mcall.com
610-820-6168