HUDSON VALLEY-CATSKILLS – Seventeen of the flood gauges that were going to be taken out of service to save money will be kept operational, the US Geological Survey said Wednesday.

The USGS will help keep at least eight gauges operational. Along with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning system and the US Army corps of Engineers, an agreement was reached to keep certain sites operational that are critical for the National Weather Service to provide flood forecasts and warnings.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther of Forestburg said she is “delighted” that the agencies have come to terms to keep the flood gauges operational.

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill of Kingston said the gauges “play a critical role in the development of plans to protect our communities from flooding.” But, he said the agreement is “an important first step but we must continue working together with all stakeholders to find permanent mechanism to keep all essential gauges operating.”

Congressman Maurice Hinchey of Hurley lobbying long and hard to keep the gauges operational. “I appreciate USGS’s recognition of the critical need for streamgages in the Delaware, Wallkill and Susquehanna rivers where chronic flooding has regularly placed residents in communities along the river in harm’s way,” he said. “The ability to forecast impending floods is central to our ability to limit injury and property damage during these increasingly frequent events.”

But, Hinchey said he will continue to urge continues use of the remaining gauges that are slated for termination.