Albany – A measure that requires water management experts from state and federal agencies to review and make recommendations about how to better manage New York City’s drinking water supply system west of the Hudson River to reduce the risk of flooding passed the Assembly.

“Hudson Valley residents suffered through major damages and loss from the record flooding of 2005 and I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to avoid another catastrophe like that,” said bill sponsor Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther of Forestburgh.

“Being proactive and well prepared for natural disasters like flooding are the most important steps we can take. This legislation will bring experts from the federal and state level together to reduce the risk of flooding in the Hudson Valley through better water supply management.”

Under the legislation, the commissioners of the Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with water management experts from federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers, would be required to review the West of Hudson River New York City drinking water supply program to, not only ensure the water’s quality, but to also suggest strategies that could potentially alleviate the threat of flooding to flood plain residents in the Hudson Valley.

The legislation also calls for a hydrological study of the Esopus Creek to identify high-risk flooding areas. The bill is awaiting action in the Senate.