Bodine Secures DEP Site Visit of Flood-Ravaged Burlington Communities

BODINE SECURES DEP SITE VISIT OF FLOOD-RAVAGED BURLINGTON COMMUNITIES

Assemblyman Seeking to Foster Resolution on Stream Cleanup Efforts

(MOORESTOWN) - In an effort to foster better dialogue between local officials and state environmental regulators on flooding issues, Assemblyman Francis L. Bodine today announced he has received assurances from state Commissioner of Environmental Protection Lisa P. Jackson that she will make a site visit to flood-ravaged Burlington County.

Bodine (D-Moorsetown) said details of when the visit will occur still need to be worked out, but the Assemblyman said the effort would focus on concerns raised by officials in Lumberton, Southampton, and Medford - communities that have experienced flooding from Rancocas Creek.

Bodine said he reached out to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) this week in an effort to have Commissioner Jackson learn first-hand about the debris and other stream impediments that are contributing to flooding problems along Rancocas Creek.

"The DEP has expressed concern and now is committed to making an assessment of the flood situation and related issues," said Bodine.

The April 15-16 nor'easter - the second worst statewide rainstorm in New Jersey history - dumped upwards of 7 inches of rain across the state, causing massive flash flooding. Authorities say the storm caused three deaths and overall property damage estimated at $180 million. In Burlington County, municipalities experienced an estimated $8.3 million in storm and flood damages.

Bodine said that, in addition to Commissioner Jackson, Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Susan Bass Levin also has been invited to participate in the flood-related visit and that officials from the Small Business Association (SBA) and the Army Corps of Engineers are being contacted to also help ensure maximum assistance for flood victims.

"With state and federal help we will be able to offer relief to those who need it most," said Bodine. "At this point, we need to get as much dialogue going as possible to understand the contributing factors of periodic flooding and what state agencies need to do to mitigate the threat of future floods."

While directing the focus of his attention on flooding in the Burlington region, Bodine also has expressed recognition that flooding has become an increasing problem in communities all across the state.

Last week, he called for the creation of a legislative panel specifically assigned to identify the lessons from the floods caused by the recent nor'easter and potential long-term remedies to mitigate future flood problems across the state.

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