4/28/14 - Livingston County is getting involved in the effort of local municipalities to keep river gauging stations operational as the federal government pulls out. Budget cuts have forced the U.S. Geological Survey to cancel funding to gauging stations across the country. The devices are placed along rivers and flood zones to measure the height, flow, and characteristics of the water. This gives authorities not only accurate data on where the water level is at any given time, but a picture of the patterns and trends that define river systems over long periods of time. Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere says this information is vital to predicting and responding to flood events in Livingston County, particularly the low-lying areas to the south. At its meeting last week, the County Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee approved a resolution authorizing a joint agreement with Green Oak, Hamburg, and the Huron Clinton Metroparks Authority. Those partner units will provide the funding to pick up the slack caused by the U.S. Geological Survey pulling out of the gauging stations. The countyâs part will be to act as a fiduciary for that money since the township governments cannot legally pay for the upkeep of a gauging station outside of their borders. Specifically, the deal will provide funding for the gauging station in Milford, well upstream of the affected communities. (TD)
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