USA: Reed Announces FEMA Funding for Flood Protection

Congressman Tom Reed announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide over $3 million in federal funds to update flood warning systems and prepare for flooding in communities in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region.

“The federal government has a responsibility to protect public safety and I am committed to ensuring our communities are equipped with the resources they need in the event of severe flooding,” Congressman Reed said. “Such flood warning systems and the application of stream gages in our river basins can be a first line of defense which saves lives, prevents economic disaster, and saves millions in future taxpayer dollars.”

Much of the funding comes from the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, supported by Congressman Reed, to address the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy. The grants will go to fund the design and construction of a flood warning system in three river basins and across 23 counties in New York, including Chemung, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Tompkins and Yates counties in the 23rd Congressional District. In addition, funding will be provided to elevate 27 flood-prone structures in the Village of Owego in Tioga County.

“During my time in Congress I have worked with State and Federal agencies to maintain funding for stream gages and will continue to ensure flood-prone regions in New York receive the protection and care they need, especially after such devastating storms like Sandy and Irene,” Reed continued. “This will continue to be a priority of my office as we work to better position the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes in times of severe weather and flooding.”

Congressman Reed has testified before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science in support of stream gage funding and has written multiple letters to the Administration in support of providing the necessary funding. In September, the United States Geological Survey announced long-term funding for several threatened stream gages in New York.

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Press Release, November 15, 2013