1. The purpose of the Connecticut River Valley Flood Control Commission is to work with other Connecticut River states to ensure adequate flood-water storage capacity for the river and its tributaries. However, the recent drought has left water levels very low and it appears that this situation will continue. What can be done to alleviate existing or potential damage?

2. Under normal circumstances, increased development in the river valley and reduction of wetlands on the river and its tributaries can diminish the state's margin of safety against floods. Would you be willing to consider moving families and businesses out of harm's way and to return floodplains to their natural functions by restoring wetlands, if federal funding became available through the 1999 Challenge 21 program - a program for which groups such as the National Wildlife Federation advocate?

3. Dams and impoundments may have negative effects on a watershed by changing water speed and depth and reducing wildlife habitat. They may also have positive effects by creating fish habitat and certain recreational opportunities. What do you think of using dams and impoundments to control river flow?

4. Do you believe that large residential docks can negatively affect the river?

5. Effective flood control often involves establishing storage capacity in the upper regions of a river. Given Connecticut's relative position at the end of the river, what can we do to protect capacity up river?

6. Is the level of communication and cooperation between the Connecticut River states effective, or is there room for improvement?

JRH: ts