Letter to the Hon. Tim Thomas, Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission - Schumer: Delaware County's $400m tourism industry, hundreds of businesses, thousands of residents and countless yearly visitors jeopardized by lack of early flood notification system; senator pushes to secure federal grant to install long-sought and desperately-needed audible extreme weather alert system

Letter

Dear Mr. Thomas,

I am pleased to write in strong support of the application submitted in 2017 by Delaware County Department of Emergency Services to develop early warning systems in the communities of Colchester and Deposit in order to alert residents and visitors of imminent flood threats. This funding is integral for human health and safety, protection of the New York City water supply system and countless regional businesses, and the preservation of a more than $400 million tourism economy.

The picturesque Delaware County is located in the heart of the northern Appalachian and Catskill Mountain ranges, with many of the communities in the shallow valleys of the terrain. The two communities I mention are particularly unique due to their positioning within the Southern Tier Region of New York, which exacerbates flood risk, and their vital role of providing billions of gallons of water to the New York City Aqueduct system each year. Deposit is located below the Cannonsville Reservoir impoundment, which holds roughly one hundred billion gallons of water and similarly, Colchester is positioned below the Pepacton Reservoir, which holds over one hundred and forty billion gallons of water. Due to the primary role of these reservoirs being drinking water, a 1954 Supreme Court decree mandates the water level maintained and the amount of water released is dictated by unanimous consent of the five signatories of the decree: New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. This decree, though effective in principle, does not address flood mitigation for the surrounding communities, such as Deposit and Colchester, leaving the local communities at a higher flood risk.

As a result, Delaware County has among the highest number of disaster declarations for floods in NY and among the top disaster declarations for severe storms in the United States according to FEMA. In addition, the two largest reservoirs of the NYC Water Supply, the Pepacton and Cannonsville Reservoir, are both located upstream in Delaware County, which exacerbates flood risk, as the reservoirs are managed offsite for consumption and not used as a flood control dam. Furthermore, over recent years, the increase in rainfall has resulted in a swollen river, thereby, elevating the region's risk of flash flooding. These combined factors create the perfect storm for disaster, and an urgent need for an early warning system.

Delaware County has attempted to seek more traditional means for mitigation funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Mitigation program, but has been routinely denied due to failure to meet their Benefit Cost Analysis for property damage due in large part to low property values and per capita calculations. Existing warning systems have proven ineffective due to the rural communities' sprawling size and lack of access to cellular service and broadband. Nonetheless, the risk to life, property and economic vitality remains real and viable. History has shown that these flash flooding events can prove deadly, as evidenced by a tragic loss of life during a sudden flash flooding event in Colchester in 2007. The absence of an effective warning system consistently places over 700 businesses and employees, 6,000 residents and countless tourists who visit the region to recreate along the Delaware River each year in harm's way. In short, the absence of an effective warning system in this region risks millions of dollars in economic activity, stymies the future potential of economic growth in the region and the incalculable cost of loss of life.

The specter of sudden flooding looms heavy, and the absence of proper warning to such danger threatens the expansion and preservation of a $400 million tourism industry in the Delaware River Basin. Fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts flock in droves to Delaware County to enjoy the scenic trails and bountiful waters. The well-being of thousands of tourists and a vital industry are at risk of being lost if proper safety infrastructure is not put in place. The installation of an audible early warning system is essential for the economic safety of communities like Downsville, Cooks Falls, Corbett, Shinhopple, Stilesville, McClure, Hale Eddy, Hancock, and Deposit, all of whom benefit from the boon the tourism industry brings to the region, and who would be adversely harmed if flooding events forced a downturn in this industry. The ARC's support would not only promote economic development, but also provide security to over 700 businesses throughout the region, and aligns well with the commission's mission to "innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia."

Delaware County has put together a comprehensive plan for installation and management of this new emergency warning system that includes partnerships, and matched contributions from the local and state governments, along with local businesses, first responders and countless others. This vast association of resources demonstrates the unwavering commitment the local community and its leaders have to creating a safe and vibrant community for all its residents and visitors. I applaud Delaware County and the role it continues to play in encouraging regional tourism and welfare of the community.

Much time has elapsed since the urgent, last resort request was advanced for your consideration. I urge an expeditious approval of their request, as communities and their economies remain vulnerable as they await the necessary assistance to move this project forward. If there is any doubt, I implore you to visit this beautiful area of NY to see first-hand the tremendous impact this project will have, and hear from its stakeholders about its value. Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact my Southern Tier Regional Office at 607-772-6792.

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