Congressional legislation introduced to support farmers facing flood risks

Lewes, Del. – According to the University of Delaware, the First State is also known as “first in flatness” with the lowest average elevation nationwide at just 60 feet. On July 27, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware) co-sponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Sen. Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) to support farmers faced with flood risks known as the Farmers Lifeline Options for Overcoming Disasters Act, or FLOOD Act.

According to the University of Delaware, the First State is also known as “first in flatness” with the lowest average elevation nationwide at just 60 feet. Blunt Rochester said in an interview with WMDT that the legislation was a result of local leaders and state officials advocating against the “chronic problem” of flooding.

“We need to make sure that we’re protecting our agricultural lands, particularly as it pertains to, the extreme weather we’re seeing,” she said.

Secretary for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources Gregg Patterson said areas in southern Delaware like much of Sussex County are particularly vulnerable.

“We are dealing with more frequent flooding from the coast, from the ocean, from the bay. But that makes its way inland,” he said.

Patterson said methods of ensuring communities can be flood resistant include beach replenishments on the coasts — but more needs to be done inland, which is why they want to bolster land preservation.

State Sen. Russel Huxtable said though the state has funded agricultural land preservation and open space programs at $10 million, he hopes more people engage with their local leaders to develop plans of how to incorporate preservation with any developments.