Fact Sheet Article View

FACT SHEET-Rondout Creed and Wallkill River, Watershed Recon Study

Flood Damage Reduction and Environmental Restoration

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
Published March 1, 2023

DESCRIPTION: The New York District of the Corps of Engineers has completed a Federally-funded reconnaissance level study to determine whether there is a Federal interest in watershed-based flood damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, navigation, and other water resources problems and opportunities for the Rondout Creek and Wallkill River watershed in New York. In light of the recurrence of fluvial flood damage over the past several years, including that resulting from inundation, erosion, navigation impacts, and road washouts from the storms of October 2005 and April 2007, the Corps of Engineers examined the entire watershed. The storms resulted in damages to properties and businesses in the communities located there, including the City of Kingston, villages of New Paltz and Ellenville, and towns of Esopus, Hurley, Rosendale, Marbletown, and Ulster, as well as many smaller hamlets. This reconnaissance study investigated the current field conditions and study criteria to determine whether any watershed-based opportunities for flood damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, navigational improvements, or other purposes exist for continued Federal participation during detailed evaluation and construction.  As part of this study, the water resources problems in the area were identified, along with potential solutions to such problems. Determination of Federal interest in a project is based on the preliminary screening of alternatives, and specifically the costs, benefits, and environmental impacts of those alternatives, as well as the extent of support from local officials and interested parties. If a non-Federal cost-sharing partner is identified, this study will be followed by a more detailed cost-shared feasibility-level study.

AUTHORIZATION: The New York District conducted the study under authority of a resolution adopted on September 20, 2006 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the United States House of Representatives. Resolution adopted by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the United States, Docket 2776, dated May 21, 2007.  Further, Section 202 (47) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 authorized the expedited completion of a feasibility report.

STATUS: The District initiated the Reconnaissance Phase in September 2007, and the final 905(b) reconnaissance report was approved by the North Atlantic Division in September 2008. Stakeholder meetings were held by the District in Fall 2008 to present the final report and next steps for a watershed feasibility study. The 905(b) reconnaissance report defined the problems, needs, and opportunities for the study area and established a Federal interest. The District is currently awaiting a non-Federal sponsor to indicate interest in cost sharing on the next phase, a feasibility study.  The study  would then be considered for budgeting and if funded  any future efforts will be coordinated with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Ulster County, and Orange County, as well as with local municipal agencies, to develop and negotiate a Project Management Plan (PMP) for a Feasibility Study.

CONTACT:

Mr. Paul Tumminello

Chief, Civil Works Branch, Programs and Project Management Division

P:  (917) 790-8210

Email: Paul.Tumminello@usace.army.mil

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District

26 Federal Plaza

New York, NY 10278

 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: NY-18, NY-19