WASHINGTON – The House Appropriations Committee has approved funding for flood control projects in the upper Delaware, Espous and Rondout watersheds

The committee cleared $835,000 for the continuation of a flood mitigation study in the Upper Delaware River Watershed for the development of a flood alert system for the region.

House Members Maurice Hinchey and John Hall secured $600,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue its ongoing study in identifying ways to prevent future flooding of the Upper Delaware River Watershed.

Hinchey also won approval for $235,000 for the Delaware River Enhanced Flood Warning system.

“Repeated and devastating flooding over the last several years has made it clear that serious flood control is a high priority in the Upper Delaware watershed,” said Hall. “This study is going to help determine the best ways to protect communities in Orange and Sullivan counties from destructive floods.”

Both measures must still pass through other legislative steps and the funding may also face a challenge from President Bush who has said he opposes the inclusion of funding for such projects.

The Appropriations Committee also approved $250,000 for the U.S. Army corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study of flood prevention work along the Esopus, Wallkill and Rondout creeks.

Hinchey requested that money, as well.

The Army Corps needs to confirm a local partner to match the federal allocation.

Last year Hinchey obtained the authority of the Army Corps to engage in long-term activities within the Esopus and Rondout basins that would repair damage caused by continuous flooding, mitigate against future flooding and remove sediment accumulated in portions of the lower Esopus in the towns of Hurley and Ulster. The authorization also allows the Corps to conduct other projects with economic benefits for communities in the watersheds such as relocating the navigable channel in the lower Rondout in downtown Kingston, allowing for marina construction and clearing the way for further economic activity on the waterfront.