Cardinale Flood Bill Signed Into Law

Republican Senator Gerald Cardinal announced that Governor Christie signed the "Rockland-Bergen Watershed Flood Prevention and Protection Act" into law on Friday, Jan. 20.

The bill will create a cooperative commission to regulatethe overflow of water during storms.

“Governor Christie demonstrated extraordinary leadership last summer during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee,” Cardinale released in a statement.  “In the aftermath of these twin events it became apparent that bi-state cooperation was desperately needed to better control flood waters.”

Eighteen individuals from New Jersey and New York will make up the commission. The commission's job is to identify potential flood hazards and remove them. The major areas of concern for flooding include the Hackensack River, Sparkill Brook/Creek, Saddle River, Ramapo/Mahwah River, and their tributaries and watersheds across the interstate border region.

One of the commission's duties will be to ensure the preservation adn maintenance of open space, wildlife habitat and other environmental benefits along the same rivers and tributaries, according to the NJ State Republicans.

“Unfortunately, the State of New York has not acted as quickly to establish this important commission. I urge Governor Cuomo and the New York Legislature to move quickly to help protect lives and property in the cross-boarder region,” Cardinale said.

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