2005 News

April 15, 2005
COMMISSIONERS CALL ON STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS FOR FUNDING, MULTI-STATE MITIGATION TASK FORCE
Permanent Solution to Flood Victims Urged

In the wake of destruction caused by two major floods in seven months, the commissioners today have called upon the governor and federal representatives to provide funding for a Delaware River flood mitigation study. In a letter to Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick, the commissioners stated, "As flood victims begin to rebuild their lives in the short-term, it is incumbent upon government at all levels to collaboratively begin exploring long-term solutions to prevent flooding of this magnitude in the future." They further urged the congressman to join with his colleagues from New York, New Jersey and other Pennsylvania regions in a comprehensive study led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Additionally, the commissioners have recommended to the Governor to pool resources by asking his fellow governors from New York and New Jersey to participate in the creation of a Tri-State Mitigation Task Force. During visits with flood victims over the last 10 days, the commissioners have received widespread support for their initiatives toward an accord in the tri-state region.

Chairman Charley Martin is confident that a partnership of local, federal and state resources and knowledge is the best approach. "All victims are facing similar hardships as a result of both recent floods. It makes sense, then, to face the issue of mitigation together as well," he states. "We are counting on the leadership of our Governor and Congressman, both of whom have already taken swift actions toward helping these victims. I have no reason to believe that support will not continue on a much larger scale.