Bergen County Towns Look To Team Up For Flood Prevention
LODI, NJ (WCBS 880) - When the Saddle River rises, it doesn't just flood in Lodi. It also floods in Saddle Brook, Wallington and other nearby towns.
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That's why a Bergen County Flood Advisory Committee has been formed.
"Holistically, we may be able to approach the situation a little bit better than doing it on our own," says the committee's chairman, Lodi deputy mayor Marc Schrieks. "We need to collectively put our egos outside the door and walk in with a clear mind at addressing a Bergen County flooding issue."
One of the things they are looking at is dredging the problem rivers.
"You can dredge all you want, but if you only dredge one town, one area, it's only going to exacerbate the problem downstream," he told WCBS 880 reporter Peter Haskell.
Schrieks also hopes that, by working together, the towns will have more leverage with the state and federal government.
There is also talk of giving the county the authority to have water companies draw down their reservoirs in advance of the storm.
What do you think Bergen County and its municipalities should do to prevent future flooding? Sound off in the comments section below!
