Public meetings for the Upper Susquehanna River Basin Comprehensive Flood Damage Reduction Study begin in Owego

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District, in partnership with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), has initiated the Upper Susquehanna River Basin Comprehensive Flood Damage Reduction Study within the Basin region in New York State. The purpose of the study is to identify flood damage reduction measures for the residents and businesses within the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York.

Damages prevented by USACE projects in June 2006 were valued at $450 million. However, many areas remain unprotected and sustained significant damages. 

In September 2011, the area again sustained significant damages as a result of Tropical Storm Lee, a flood of record in Binghamton and Owego. Following these flood events, emergency programs (Public Law 84-99) and additional operation and maintenance funds were used to the fullest extent possible. While this aided in short-term and emergency-type assistance, these funds are not available for proactive planning and evaluations to forecast or address future flood events and problem areas. In addition, short term and emergency funds are for site-specific issues that arise following a flood event and are not applicable for comprehensive watershed or basin-wide solutions. 

This study will provide a systems- and watershed-based approach to identify appropriate flood risk management strategies and measures, and target investments to reduce future flood damages and protect lives in areas both with and without existing flood risk management infrastructure. 

Watershed screenings will focus on populated areas with the greatest flood risk. For example, hydrologic and hydraulic conditions of the Owego Creek watershed and the Susquehanna River will be assessed to identify flooding impacts on the Village of Owego. The study may recommend specific areas for further analysis and action. 

At the conclusion of this investigation, it is anticipated that USACE will prepare a feasibility report and environmental impact statement describing the results of the analyses and recommendations to modify existing flood risk management systems, if warranted. 

Public scoping meetings for this study will be held on Monday, Nov. 21 in the Hubbard Auditorium of the Tioga County Office Building, located at 56 Main St. in Owego, at both 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Local officials and the general public from Tioga County, as well as from portions of Tompkins and Schuyler Counties that are impacted by the Susquehanna River, are asked to attend either meeting to communicate problem areas in their own local creek and watersheds areas, and offer methods of reducing flood risk.

Additional public scoping meetings will be held in Broome County on Nov. 22 and in Delaware County on Nov. 30. If you are not able to attend a meeting in Owego, you are welcome to attend one of the other two. 

Information about the other meetings and the study itself is available online at http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/USRB_Feasibility_Study/. You can also contact the study manager, Mr. David W. Robbins, by calling (410) 962-0685.