Congress has blocked $2.4 million in funding for the Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning System.
The System uses radar and a network of stream and rain gauges to provide data to the National Weather Service to issue flood warnings.
The System is credited with saving $20 for every dollar in cost through reduced flood damage and reduced payouts through the federal flood insurance program.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and its partners are currently developing strategies to prevent the System from being shut down in 2011.
The funding is caught in the battle over ‘earmarks’ in Congress.
