Pocono News Section

Proposed Flood Relief May Not be Enough

Proposed Flood Relief May Not be Enough - Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 4:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday, Apr 17, 2008 @ 04:55pm EST
DELAWARE WATER GAP - After suffering through three major floods Delaware Water Gap residents thought they had a solution but it turns out it's only a temporary fix.

The Cherry Creek whispers through the Delaware Water Gap. It's beautiful.

Beautiful until nature sends a storm that makes the creek rage and flood your home or business. "It's just devastating emotionally, physically, and economically," said Susan Cooper.

She lives in the Delaware Water Gap. She also owns the Village Farmer and Bakery there. Plus she's a landlord to 18 families in the borough. She suffered through - and recovered from - three floods in 18 months. "It's a huge burden," she remarked.

Susan lays some of the blame on the people who manage reservoirs in New York. When those reservoirs are full any overflow rushes into the Delaware River, which backs into the Cherry Creek, and floods Susan's property.

One study showed that a full reservoir could add four to six feet to a flood. "And in a flood situation every inch - additional inch of water is destroying so much more property and so many more lives," said Cooper.

Reservoir managers recently agreed to let some water out to prevent flooding but they will only do that until April. "It's not enough - we've never had a flood in April," said Cooper.

Some people have asked her if the water is such a problem why she doesn't move. She said that's not an option and explained, "I have lived next to the river my entire life. I love it. I love this town."

And she added she will continue to fight for the beautiful creek and the home she loves.

New York water managers say they can't lower the reservoir levels too much because then their citizens won't have enough to drink.

Governor Ed Rendell is trying to work out a longer term agreement to solve the problem.