CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch has directed the Department of Environmental Services and state emergency officials to develop a plan to review the state's dams and water release policies. Gov. Lynch told lawmakers about the initiative today at a briefing on flood recovery and the FEMA process.

"This is the third time since I have been Governor that our state has experienced devastating floods. For some communities, the damage caused by the recent floods exceeded that of last year's Mother's Day flooding. For some of these families, this is the second time in less than a year they have been forced from their homes due to severe flooding," Gov. Lynch said. "As part of the overall recovery effort, I have asked the Department of Environmental Services and state emergency officials to develop a plan - which should include independent expertise - to examine New Hampshire's water release protocols and policies.

"I have tremendous respect for the members of New Hampshire's Dam Management Bureau who do extraordinary work in difficult circumstances. Given there have been three major floods in the last 18 months, I believe it is appropriate and timely that we review our dam management policies. It is my hope this review will address questions citizens have regarding our dam management policies, as well as recommend ways New Hampshire can improve its dam management," Gov. Lynch said.

DES is in the process of developing the proposal examining these policies, including communication protocols, and how they were implemented during the most recent flooding.

In his proposed budget, Gov. Lynch has made improving and maintaining the state's dams a priority. The budget adds two dam safety engineers, and fills five vacant dam maintenance positions. These improvements will increase dam safety inspections, including allowing high-hazard dams to be inspected once a year, as opposed to every two years, and increases the number of annual dam reconstruction projects.

In addition, the capital budget provides $1.85 million for repairs on nine state-owned dams.

In addition, Gov. Lynch will kick-off a telethon on WMUR-TV on Monday, May 7, to help raise money for the New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund which will support the flood relief efforts by helping families recover from losses that may not be covered by FEMA.

"New Hampshire did qualify for FEMA assistance, but those individuals who do qualify for federal aid, it likely won't be enough for some of the hardest-hit families," Gov. Lynch said. "That is why I am encouraging everyone in New Hampshire to consider contributing to the State of New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund, which will get our families on the road to recovery."

The State of New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund will distribute money to local charities to help flood victims. Donations can be made online at www.nh.gov, or by check through the State of NH, Disaster Relief, and mailed to 25 Capital St., Room 121, Concord, NH 03301.

Gov. Lynch continues to urge victims of the recent floods to begin registering with FEMA to find out if they qualify for individual assistance.

In order to qualify for federal flood assistance, citizens must register with FEMA - even if they have already registered with the Red Cross, or other organizations. FEMA's central office will walk flood victims through the registration process, and then field teams will be dispatched to do follow-up work.

New Hampshire residents with flood damage should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Those with speech and hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Registration is also available online at www.fema.gov.

On Friday, President Bush granted Gov. Lynch's request for a major disaster declaration making individuals and families in five counties, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford, eligible for assistance. In addition, municipalities in Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire and Sullivan counties are eligible for assistance.

"Citizens who suffered flood damage should call FEMA and begin the registration process," Gov. Lynch said. "FEMA's financial assistance will be important to helping people begin rebuilding their lives."

When calling or registering online have the following information available:

* Current phone number;
* Address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
* Social Security number, if available;
* A general list of damages and losses suffered;
* If insured, the name of insurance company or agent and policy number;
* General financial information; and
* Bank account coding to speed up your assistance with direct deposit