By Peter Sclafani, Staff Writer
Against the backdrop of Duke’s Brook, a tributary of the Millstone River, on June 20, state officials unveiled plans for a regional flood task force that may hold some answers to Manville’s flooding problems.
Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and Assemblywoman Donna Simon announced the formation of the Hunterdon-Somerset Flood Advisory Task Force.
Senator Christopher Bateman, another district legislator who proposed the legislation, couldn’t attend the press conference.
The plan intends to provide short-term and long-term relief to people who have suffered through past floods, especially those who live in the Lost Valley section of Manville.
”Waiting for the next storm to hit is not the answer to the flooding problem,” said Ms. Simon. “The flood issues need to be taken care of.”
Manville resident Kathy Quick said she did not have a flooding worries 35 years ago, but, in recent years, flooding has become a major problem for her and countless others.
The task force will look at past surveys of the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as other studies on flooding in Hunterdon and Somerset counties
Mr. Ciattarelli stressed the importance of collaboration between the municipalities to address the escalating flood problems.
”This is a regional problem,” he said. “The best way to use state resources is to join together.”
In the short-term the task force will petition the counties to use funds designated for protecting open spaces to buyout homeowners who are living in flood-prone areas, such as the Lost Valley.
”We can find ways to mitigate the destructive flooding that destroys homes and businesses, disrupts lives and wreaks havoc in our communities,” said Ms. Simon.
Gov. Chris Christie must appoint the members of the task force.
The flood advisory task force will have as members:
• The commissioner of Department of Environmental Protection and the director of the state Office of Emergency Management;
• Two mayors of municipalities in the Delaware River basin.
• Two mayors of municipalities in the Raritan River basin.
• One representative each from the Hunterdon and Somerset counties Offices of Emergency Management.
• One representative from the Millstone and Raritan Rivers Flood Control Commission.
• Two individuals with relevant expertise (engineering, flood mitigation, public planning, environmental protection or related issues).
The task force is charged within one year to survey flood issues affecting the municipalities lying along the Raritan River, Millstone River and their tributaries, and submit its surveys and recommendations to the governor.
Mr. Ciattarelli hopes that once the research has been conducted the process of implementing the long-term solution to fix the problem will only take 10 to 15 years.
”From the Delaware to the Raritan to the Millstone and many other tributaries, our district contains a web of waterways that deserve an urgent and unique examination from local officials and experts,” Mr.Ciattarelli said. “This task force will dedicate itself to delivering much-needed relief to residents and business owners that should not have to worry about their property and safety every time we have substantial rain.”

