Rendell: Lowering the Flood Threat
Saturday, April 12, 2008

April's weather forecast calls for significant rain. That's typically the stuff of casual conversation but not for residents in towns along the Delaware River.

Families, parents and business owners worry that the Delaware will jump its banks once again and wash away their dreams, their future and maybe even their lives.

AdvertisementThis possibility concerns me, too, just as it has since 2004, when the first of three devastating floods hit this region. With all the tools we have available, I am working to minimize the risk of flood and maximize the protections available along the main stem and tributaries of this mighty river.

The New York City reservoirs have been of most concern. Today, these reservoirs are full, or close to full, and that means that more water spills over when the rains come and the snows melt.

I've led my fellow governors in New York, New Jersey and Delaware, as well as our federal partners in the Delaware River Basin Commission, to change the status quo and lower the reservoirs -- first to account for that snow pack and now because the reservoirs are at or near full capacity.

Last week I called for releases from the New York City reservoirs to make some room available for the impact of the spring rains.

We have to look at our own reservoirs, too. At my initiative, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is determining whether additional flood protection can found by better management of the lower basin reservoirs in Pennsylvania such as the Francis E. Walter, Wallenpaupack and Nockamixon.

But the reservoirs are not the whole problem, and changing the way they're managed won't be the whole answer. That's why I am insisting on other changes.

We are getting tougher on managing land use and development. It used to be that developers only had to stop runoff from projects during construction.

No more. The Department of Environmental Protection now requires that runoff be stopped permanently -- after construction and while earth is being moved. We are also writing regulations that will provide a buffer along streams to soak up excess water.

More flood protection dollars are critical. Last year, the Legislature supported my budget request and included an additional $1 million to municipalities for storm-water management planning. We've invested nearly $177,000 Growing Greener program in storm and flood management projects in Northampton County since 2004.

In February, I made flood protection a key feature on my budget request for next year, calling for $100 million to build and maintain the levees, culverts and other structures that protect homes and businesses from flood. I am hoping I can count on the Legislature to appreciate the urgency here and support this important request.
Mother Nature always has the upper hand, and I won't suggest that I have the power fully to hold back the tide, especially in the event of severe storms.

But I know the stakes here; I know the personal tragedy that comes when the floods rage. So to the very best of my ability, I am vigilant and active on behalf of our families, friends and neighbors who need our help now.

Ed Rendell is governor of Pennsylvania.