Flooding has long shaped the story of our region in the Southern Tier of New York—testing our infrastructure, our ecosystems, and our resolve. In the wake of the devastating floods of 1972, communities across the region faced not only the challenge of rebuilding, but also an urgent question: How can we reduce flood damage and protect future generations?
Elmira, NY after Hurricane Agnes in 1972
Bath, NY after Hurricane Debby
in 2024
A Program Born from Experience
Recovery from the 1972 flood was not easy. Regional planning boards, alongside Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung Counties, partnered with corporate leaders such as Corning Incorporated and other local entities to restore what had been lost. But from those early recovery conversations emerged a forward-thinking vision—moving beyond reaction toward prevention.
By 1996, that vision led to the creation of a dedicated Flood Recovery Specialist position at STC. This role was groundbreaking for its time. The specialist’s duties were highly technical and wide-ranging: identifying flood-prone areas, working with municipalities to plan for future flood events, serving as a liaison between federal, state, and local partners, and providing education and outreach on flood mitigation and resiliency. The position also offered hands-on assistance during flood emergencies and post-disaster recovery.
Importantly, this role was made possible through true regional collaboration. Funding was shared equally by Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties—an investment that demonstrated collective commitment to protecting people, property, and infrastructure.
Thirty Years Later: A Program That Endures
Today, nearly 30 years later, STC continues to maintain this vital position. What began as a bold experiment has grown into an essential, trusted program that communities rely on year after year.
Our long-serving Flood Recovery Specialist—the first of her kind when she began in 1996—has shaped the program into a regional asset. Under her leadership, floodplain management became more proactive, grants were secured for tools like additional stream gauges, and communities gained hands-on support to update Flood Damage Prevention laws. While we prepare to celebrate her well-earned retirement, we are also actively seeking the next Flood Recovery Specialist to carry this work forward.
The legacy of Janet Thigpen’s leadership is clear: stronger policies, better-informed communities, and a deeper regional understanding of flood risk and resilience.
Education, Outreach, and the Power of the Flood Model
Much of this program’s impact goes beyond planning documents and regulations. Education has always been central to flood resilience, and STC staff work to reach residents of all ages—from kindergarten classrooms to seasoned municipal leaders.
STC regularly participates in Environmental Field Days, Earth Day celebrations, Regional Leadership Conferences, and Planning Board and Town Board meetings across the region. At the center of many of these efforts is our Flood Model—an interactive, hands-on teaching tool that makes flood concepts tangible and memorable.
Using everyday objects like Monopoly houses, putty, sponges, and matchbox cars, participants can explore real-world flood mitigation strategies. Houses can be elevated on stilts. Sponges demonstrate how wetlands absorb water. Participants can even attempt to dam or redirect flowing water—only to learn an important lesson: eventually, water will find a way. Matchbox cars help reinforce the life-saving message, “Turn around, don’t drown,” showing how even a small amount of moving water can sweep vehicles away.
The model is fun, creative, and engaging—but its impact is serious. It provides residents with a real-life understanding of why certain mitigation strategies are recommended and how thoughtful planning can reduce damage and save lives.
Looking Ahead
As flooding continues to affect communities throughout Appalachia, the lessons learned over the past 30 years are more important than ever. STC’s Flood Recovery Program stands as an example of long-term regional collaboration, proactive planning, and the power of education.
By investing in preparedness today, we help ensure safer, more resilient communities tomorrow.