IJC establishes Workgroup to develop a plan to study Lake Champlain and Richelieu River flooding

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The International Joint Commission (IJC) is pleased to announce that it has established International Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Plan of Study Workgroup to develop a plan of study concerning the record flooding of Lake Champlain and its tributaries, and of the Richelieu River.

In letters dated March 19, 2012, the Governments of the United States and Canada asked the IJC to develop a study proposal which would examine the causes and impacts of flooding that occurred during the spring and summer of 2011, as well as the full range of measures to prepare for, prevent and mitigate such impacts.

The Workgroup will develop a Plan of Study that will identify the studies needed for an evaluation of the causes and impacts of the flooding; as well as what studies are necessary to develop appropriate mitigation solutions and recommendations.

The Plan of Study will outline required and recommended studies needed to develop a comprehensive flood mitigation framework. It will account for the existing and ongoing workin the Lake Champlain Basin and Richelieu River. The Plan of study will also include an estimate of the overall costs required to fulfill the request from the Governments, taking into consideration any possible in-kind contributions that jurisdictions may provide. The Workgroup will submit its plan of study to the IJC by the end of 2012.

The International Joint Commission prevents and resolves disputes between the United States of America and Canada under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and pursues the common good of both countries as an independent and objective advisor to the two governments.

Contact Ottawa Bernard Beckhoff (613) 947-1420 Washington Frank Bevacqua (202) 736-9024