Urges parties to 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree to address ongoing risk of Delaware River Basin flooding.
According to the resolution, nearly two million residents of New Jersey depend on the Delaware River for various needs, including drinking water and agricultural supplies. The resolution emphasizes how flooding has historically jeopardized human life, property, and infrastructure in areas downstream from New York City’s reservoirs. The management of these reservoir levels is highlighted as a critical factor in mitigating flood risks. The resolution is bolstered by reports from task forces that illustrate the beneficial impacts of maintaining year-round reservoir voids to minimize flood occurrences.
ACR21 is a concurrent resolution that urges the Governors of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to take action against the ongoing threat of flooding in the Delaware River Basin. The resolution specifically asks these governors to petition the United States Supreme Court to amend a 1954 Decree that governs the management of reservoir levels in New York City. An urgent call is made to require New York City to maintain sufficient voids in its reservoirs throughout the year, particularly in the spring months when flooding risk is highest.
Overall, ACR21 seeks to address a critical public safety issue that affects not only New Jersey residents but also calls for inter-state cooperation in managing a shared natural resource. The push for amendments to the 1954 Decree reflects a long-term strategic approach to flood mitigation, emphasizing the need for accountability in reservoir management and aiming to protect vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of floodwaters.
A notable point of contention within the resolution lies in the existing 1954 Supreme Court Decree, which allows New York City to fill its reservoirs up to 105 percent capacity from May 1 to June 15. This timeframe coincides with peak flooding seasons, leading to increased risks for communities downstream. Critics may argue that amending the decree could challenge existing water resource management practices and raise concerns among New York stakeholders, while supporters assert that public safety in New Jersey should take precedence.