Consultants present preliminary Chichester LFA findings, urge paired bridge and floodplain work

Consultants from SLR reviewed preliminary modeling results for the Tri‑Chester Local Flood Analysis and outlined where bridges, culverts and valley morphology concentrate flood and erosion risk in the Chichester (Shandaken) study area. The session focused on undersized crossings on Route 214, high‑energy reaches at Silver Hollow Road and Stony Clove, and erosion hazards exposed by the July storm.

"The LFA is really focused on flood prone homes, businesses, infrastructure, and critical facilities along Cove Creek," said the SLR presenter, describing the project scope and study area. Presenters compared FEMA flood insurance study maps with their 2‑D modeling and velocity plots, noting that smaller tributaries such as Ox Clove Creek flood despite lacking FEMA mapping and that the July event provided recent calibration data for the models.

The consultants emphasized tradeoffs for bridge work: replacing an undersized bridge can reduce local upstream backwater yet shift or concentrate flow downstream unless coupled with floodplain enhancements. They said homeowner options — elevation, floodproofing, voluntary buyout — and public projects both have roles and that program participation is voluntary. Organizers encouraged residents to use the Tri‑Chester LFA website and follow‑up contact channels for property‑level questions.