Amount Requested: $235,000
The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) requests $235,000 to continue development of enhancements to the basin’s flood warning system, in conjunction with the National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS), United States Geological Service (USGS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).  The flood warning system in the Delaware River Basin is comprised of several elements and is coordinated and funded by numerous organizations at the federal, state, and local levels. The priorities for enhancing the current basin’s flood warning system were identified in the Delaware River Basin Interstate Flood Mitigation Task Force action agenda, commissioned at the request of the four basin governors and issued in July 2007. 

As funds are allocated, the recommendations contained in the agenda will continue to be systematically implemented. Congressionally directed funds totaling $235,000, appropriated directly to the NWS in FY 2008, enabled enhancements to begin.  The continued development of an advanced basinwide flood warning system will ensure that the existing flood warning system is adequately maintained and that technological advancements are continued.  Benefits of an advanced basinwide flood warning system are realized by the entire basin community, from residents in the floodplain to emergency managers to elected officials. 

Further enhancements proposed for FY10 include 1) upgrades to the existing precipitation and stream gage network; 2) improvement of flash flood forecasting capabilities; 3) flood warning education and outreach; and 4) support of flood coordination.  Stream gage improvements, such as hardening or the addition or improvement of telemetry, would improve the reliability of monitoring during flood events. In addition, upgrades would include the development of new NOAA flood forecast points where needed.  Improved development of flash flood warning capabilities based on Doppler Radar precipitation measurements would provide more specific flash flood forecasts for headwaters and feeder streams that respond rapidly to excessive rainfall.  Flood warning education and outreach geared towards local officials and emergency managers is a key component of a successful flood warning system. Flood coordination is critical in the Delaware Basin, where flood warning and flood loss reduction is scattered across numerous agencies.  Flood coordination, such as through DRBC’s Flood Advisory Committee, is necessary to bring together and leverage funding by numerous federal, state and local agencies involved in flood warning.  Effective flood warning is critical to minimize the loss of life and property during flood events.  Following the three Delaware River main stem floods of September 2004, April 2005 and June 2006, residents and property owners, as well as, state and local emergency managers are ever more reliant on the flood warning system for the basin.  An enhanced flood warning system for the Delaware River Basin will lead to improvements of the timeliness and accuracy of the flood forecasts and warnings in the basin.