A bill that would create task force to address flooding in Somerset and Hunterdon counties is under consideration in the New Jersey Senate.
Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman and state Sen. Michael Doherty creating a task force to address flooding in Somerset and Hunterdon counties was approved by the Senate Environment & Energy Committee, it was announced Monday.
"Raritan River flooding has plagued homeowners and businesses in Somerset County for as long as I can remember," said Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex). "It's time there be an in depth review to determine what can be done to mitigate this continuing problem that's caused havoc for so many families decade after decade.
"By establishing a regional task force we can hopefully find comprehensive solutions to address the problems in this unique area."
Under the legislation, S-166, the Hunterdon-Somerset Flood Advisory Task Force would review past floods in the two counties caused by the Delaware and Raritan rivers and make recommendations for reducing the impact of future floods, according to a news release.
N.J. dams that could fail in a flood
The task force would also review the effectiveness of county and local emergency response plans.
"Flooding along much of the Delaware and Raritan rivers has become a regular occurrence when heavy rains hit the region," said Doherty (R-Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset). "We need to bring experts and stakeholders from throughout the area together to take a careful look at what can be done to provide long-term relief. Homeowners and businesses have been dealing with the same flooding problems for far too long."
The legislation was first introduced on Jan. 12 and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
In June 2014, a prior bill, S139, was introduced proposing the task force. It was proposed, in part, because of floods that happened in May when the Raritan River approached record flooding levels.
The Raritan River and its tributaries have seen 116 floods since 1923, according to the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center. Out of the 24 floods since 2000, three were major: the April 2007 nor'easter, a March 2010 flood caused by rain and snow melt, and Irene. The Delaware River has seen 8 floods since 1996. The three floods in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were the worst floods since the flood of record in 1955.
Most recently, there was minor flooding in both counties following strong thunderstorms that passed through the area on Feb. 26.