Cuomo Urged To Sign Bi-State River Commission Bill

A united group of New York and New Jersey legislators, town officials and Rockland homeowners on Wednesday pushed for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign the bill creating the Rockland/Bergen Bi-State River Commission when it reaches his desk later this week or next week.  

The New York State Senate passed the measure last week following the State Assembly, which approved it in April. Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski said once the bill is delivered to the governor he has 10 days to act on it. NJ Governor Chris Christie signed the companion New Jersey legislation in 2012.  

Those who spoke at the press conference with Lake Tappan as a backdrop stressed the need for a commission that would bring representatives of both states to work together in a collaborative and coordinated effort on flood mitigation and water supply plans.  

“This is purely about coordination between two states,” said Zebrowski, adding the group addressing water issues needs a regional approach because of rivers and reservoirs that run through both states.  

Senator David Carlucci said a unified approach would be most effective because water does not know boundaries and does not know political boundaries.

The commission would have 12 voting members, six from New York and six from New Jersey with six non-voting members. The commission members, who would not be paid, would be appointed by the their respective state’s leadership. The six non-voting members would include the Rockland and Bergen county executives, state transportation commissioners, one representative each from United Water and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  

Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee said formation of the commission would make a huge difference in local communities which have had severe flooding.  

Bergen County Assemblywoman Connie Wagner said, “We need to work together to find ways we can get some preventive measures.”  

Bergen County Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi echoed that idea and added New Jersey municipalities can not do anything further to prevent flooding unless they are working in collaboration with their New York neighbors. Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack said the town has completed 110 flood mitigation projects but has reached a standstill because future projects need a coordinated effort. Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart said everyone lives downstream from somewhere else and a broader view of flooding issues is necessary.  

Several Rockland residents spoke about their experiences and hopes that the legislation would be signed.  

Kristine Bonagura of West Nyack said Hurricane Irene flooded her home with two and a half feet of water and totaled their two cars. In addition to the water damage, she said they had to deal with the environmental issues from the flooding.  

Suffern resident Claudia Inoa said,” So I ask why wait for everyone to be swimming out of their homes to bring everyone together. This is definitely the best step I’ve seen in a long time.”