Report: Dam And Floodgate System In North Jersey Isn't Responsible For Flooding
LINCOLN PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A new report says a much-criticized dam and floodgate system in North Jersey isn't responsible for massive flooding that has occurred downstream over the last two years.
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The nearly 600-page report found that the Pompton Lakes Dam floodgates worked correctly during Hurricane Irene last August and during flooding in March of 2010 and March of 2011. Following Irene, New Jersey rivers busted out of their banks, causing record floods in some places and leaving residents elsewhere frustrated that they're stuck with homes that flood regularly.
But the report blames a significant increase in rain.
Communities south of the dam have suffered extensive flood damage, and residents have criticized the floodgates system, saying it protects towns to the north while ensuring flooding downstream.
State Environmental Protection commissioner Robert Martin is meeting Thursday with about two dozen mayors of flood-affected towns to discuss the report and a program that will use more than $120 million to buy out 541 properties in flood areas.
NJ residents, how much has flooding affected your home and neighborhood over the last couple of years? Share your stories and thoughts below...
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