New York Environmental Leader Recognizes Town Efforts

In recognition of the efforts of the town of Rockland, N.Y., Sullivan County officials, Pat Pomeroy and Patric Casey, New York State DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis presented them with a token of appreciation for storm water management program improvements.

"Former Town Supervisor Pomeroy and her successor, Supervisor Casey, have demonstrated their commitment to the community by taking a comprehensive approach to managing storm water flows in the town of Rockland," Grannis said. "Both have been responsive to the needs of the community and protective of some of the most outstanding riparian resources in the Catskills."

Rockland officials have been implementing an advanced program to reduce peak flood levels while acting to remove buildings and residents from dangerous flood-prone areas. This visionary approach involves protecting and restoring natural features such as wetlands and floodplains to help reduce the level and force of storm water. The approach is responsible in that it does not merely employ trenching to project floodwater to downstream communities.

Along with Rockland's past and present supervisors, Grannis also acknowledged and expressed thanks to Congressman Maurice Hinchey for his work with Congressman John Hall and Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand and their efforts to secure $700,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps will use the funds to study, develop and maintain solutions to water management and flood problems in the Upper Delaware River.

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation