Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to establish the Lake DeForest Flood Control Pilot Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Carroll

Authorizes the DEC to launch a Lake DeForest Flood Control Pilot Program to test flood management and reduce local flood risk.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Overview

Bill number: A 5082

Title: Authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish the Lake DeForest Flood Control Pilot Program

Primary sponsor: Patrick J. Carroll

Purpose (as stated by the bill title): To authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to establish a pilot program focused on flood control at Lake DeForest.

Status: Referred to Environmental Conservation (introduced February 12, 2025). The same referral is listed twice in the legislative actions.

Key Provisions (as provided)

The bill authorizes the DEC to establish a pilot program specifically for flood control related to Lake DeForest.

No additional text with specific program design, funding, duration, or operating requirements is included in the information available. Therefore, the precise scope, activities, milestones, reporting obligations, budget, or sunset provisions are not specified here.

Note: Because the full bill language is not provided, the summary cannot enumerate concrete provisions (e.g., eligible activities, governance structure, cost-share requirements, performance metrics, or authorities granted beyond “establish a pilot program.”)

Affected Parties and Impacts

Department of Environmental Conservation: Would gain statutory authority to design, implement, and oversee a flood control pilot program at Lake DeForest.

Local communities, municipalities, and stakeholders around Lake DeForest: Potentially affected through participation, oversight, funding decisions, permitting processes, data collection, and program outcomes.

Environment and flood-management goals: The program could influence flood risk reduction, water management, and ecological considerations in the Lake DeForest area.

Taxpayers and funders: Depending on program funding provisions, there could be budgetary implications for state resources allocated to the pilot.

Timeline and Procedures

Introduced: February 12, 2025

Legislative actions: Referred to Environmental Conservation on February 12, 2025 (listed twice in the actions).

Next steps not specified in the provided information: Typically would include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration if advanced.

Questions and Unknowns

What are the proposed duration, milestones, and success criteria of the Lake DeForest Flood Control Pilot Program?

Will the bill specify funding sources, cost-sharing, or matching requirements?

Are there reporting, oversight, environmental impact assessment, or public participation provisions?

How would the pilot coordinate with local governments, watershed organizations, or other state agencies?

Next Steps for Interested Readers

Monitor the Environmental Conservation committee for hearings, amendments, and a potential vote.

Review the full text of A 5082 when available to understand detailed provisions, funding, and timelines.

Consider examining the related prior-session bills (A 2037, A 8271, A 1254, A 3453, A 1907, A 4520) for context on prior approaches to flood control and Lake DeForest-related initiatives.

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