The federal government is considering legislation that would reduce funding for the river gauges maintained by the United States Geological Survey. These gages measure water depth and relay real-time information to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the National Weather Service, and others. In Marion County, the river gauges measure water depths at Cedar Creek, English Creek, White Breast Creek, and the Lake Red Rock Reservoir. Marion County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Anderson says that not having that information readily available would hamper with their ability to coordinate timely response in flooding scenarios. The gauges cost $12,000 to install, and about $14,600 per year to maintain.

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