the Hudson River Estuary and supports a biologically rich and productive ecosystem. (6) The Mohawk River is integrated with the Erie Canal along much of its channel, tying the operation of the canal system to the health of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. (7) Individuals in many communities throughout the Hudson-Mohawk River Basin have experienced devastating flooding that has led to tremendous costs for homeowners, businesses, and State and local governments. A holistic approach to river and stream monitoring, updated floodplain maps, and development of floodplain management strategies based upon improved understanding of the Hudson-Mohawk River Basin’s hydrology would make communities safer and more resilient to flood events. (8) Climate change is occurring and, as a result, sea level rise along the United States eastern coastline will increase the vulnerability of coastal communities to storm surge and flooding in the New York-New Jersey harbors and along the major rivers in the Hudson-Mohawk River Basin. (9) Each of the subwatersheds of the Hudson-Mohawk River Basin receives the support of programs administered by Federal, State, regional, and local organizations. (10) New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have a long history of achievements working together on resource management issues through their memberships in the Delaware River Basin Commission, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Appalachian Regional Commission, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. (11) The impacts experienced as a result of recent hurricanes and storms illustrate the need for integrated, basin-wide planning to address water management challenges and vulnerability to flooding. (12) Protecting wetlands, expanding use of green infrastructure, strengthening dams and levees, and upgrading wastewater and water treatment infrastructure will be necessary to reduce the impacts of extreme weather events and maintain water quality and public health. 3.