Clinton, Bishop Call on Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Geological Survey to Evaluate Flooding in Lake Ronkonkoma Area

Lawmakers Say Persistent Flooding is Adversely Affecting Local Residents' Quality Of Life

August 29, 2007 -- Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congressman Tim Bishop are calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to come to the Lake Ronkonkoma region to evaluate the flooding problems that have afflicted area residents. In a letter to Army Corps of Engineers Commander and District Engineer Colonel Aniello Tortora, the legislators asked that the Army Corps visit the area to assess the groundwater flooding issue, and to meet with affected residents to determine how they can assist in alleviating this problem.

Last week, Senator Clinton and Congressman Bishop also wrote a letter urging the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Center to take specific steps to evaluate and monitor the situation with the overall goal of establishing a solution to the serious flooding problem in the region.

“The people of the Lake Ronkonkoma region have suffered through more than their fair share of flooding for the past two years now,” said Senator Clinton. “Every time it rains more property is damaged, more basements have to be pumped, and the financial and emotional burden to the affected homeowners increases. This vicious cycle needs to end, which is why we are urging the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey to come to the area to find a solution to this serious problem.”

“We need to bring all possible resources to bear to help families who simply want to keep their homes dry,” Representative Bishop said. “We are asking the Army Corps of Engineers to help use their expertise to help alleviate this situation. The bottom line is that we have long since passed the time for action and we need agencies from all levels of government to step up to the table and get to work to help families in the Lake Ronkonkoma region.”

Since October 2005, thousands of families in the Lake Ronkonkoma area have suffered frequent property damage and possible health risks resulting from persistent groundwater flooding which has been attributed to the combination of above average rainfall and the Lake’s rising water table.

A copy of the letter to Colonel Tortora follows –

August 28, 2007

Colonel Aniello L. Tortora
New York District
United States Corps of Engineers
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10278

Dear Colonel Tortora:

We are writing to express our concern regarding the severe groundwater flooding problems that Lake Ronkonkoma area residents have been experiencing since October 2005. Area residents are suffering from persistent flooding in their homes and properties as a result of above average rainfall. This flooding is adversely affecting their quality of life and presenting health risks to themselves and their families as well as the economic impact of having to continually pump water from their basements.

We respectfully request that the Army Corps of Engineers come to the Lake Ronkonkoma region of Suffolk County to evaluate the groundwater flooding problems that have afflicted area residents for nearly two years and meet with members of this community to determine how the Army Corps can assist in alleviating this problem.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please contact our offices should you have any questions.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Rodham Clinton
United States Senate

Timothy H. Bishop
United States House of Representatives

Source: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

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