04/22/24 - 117 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/9bh4zbtr
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Sen. Casey Urges Support For Flood Forecasting Systems
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U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) Tuesday called on the Department of Commerce to include robust funding for flood forecasting systems and weather monitoring technologies in the fiscal year 2012 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget.
In the wake of historic flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, the importance of flood forecasting systems like the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and Warning System has come into focus due to their critical role in helping communities prepare for and protect against natural disasters.
“Flood forecasting systems like the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and Warning System protect communities, help Pennsylvanians prepare for natural disasters and ultimately save taxpayers money by reducing payouts from the federal government for flood damage,” said Senator Casey. “We have an obligation to ensure that these systems are in place and operating properly so Pennsylvanians are prepared for the next flood.”
In the immediate aftermath of the historic flooding from Irene and Lee, Senator Casey urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to increase funding for flood forecasting systems and weather monitoring technologies in NOAA budget in the fiscal 2012 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill.
NOAA ultimately received $4.9 billion for fiscal year 2012, which is $306 million over the fiscal year 2011 level. It is now up to the Department of Commerce and NOAA to decide how to distribute the funds.
Senator Casey has been a long-time advocate for flood forecasting, having worked to secure Congressionally-directed funding for flood forecasting.
Earlier this year Senator Casey sent a letter to Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, urging the agency to fund the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and Warning System. Funding for the system, which helps communities located within the Susquehanna River basin prepare for flooding threats, was eliminated when the 2011 budget bill was blocked late last year.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission reports that for every dollar invested by the federal government, the System saves $20 through reduced flood damages and reduced payouts through the federal flood insurance program.
Picking Up The Pieces: Christmas After The Flood
Flood Victims Settling Into Federal Trailers For Holiday |
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1/2/2012 |
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