Federal officials could issue a new flood map within weeks that would require hundreds of homeowners in poor Syracuse neighborhoods to buy costly flood insurance, reports syracuse.com.
Engineers need more time to study the effect of dredging Onondaga Creek.
Director of mayoral initiatives asked FEMA representatives to delay issuing the new flood map.
Over the next few months, the city hopes to be able to make significant progress, which would include dredging silt that has accumulated over the decades; and removing a low railroad bridge in Armory Square that could act as a dam during flood conditions.
USACE representatives agreed to help the city analyze the costs and benefits of dredging the creek.
DEC officials have lined up $500,000 for the dredging work through Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s New York Works infrastructure program, said Tim Carroll, director of mayoral initiatives.
But, dredging the creek would not reduce flooding in the area covered by the new flood map, said Carroll.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, July 16, 2012; Image: lakecleanup