Flooding - Rain, rain go away

This year (June 2013) as we returned to Sea Star in the Hudson River, we became aware of the extensive flooding problem in the area.
Some counties that the Erie canal runs through have been designated as disaster areas due to the flooding, which resulted in the closure of the canal.
As we travel north through the Champlain canal and into Lake Champlain the water levels continue to be a problem.  Lake Champlain is currently sitting 6 feet above chart datum!  Local marinas are facing many difficulties dealing with the flood waters not to mention the lack of tourists due to the rain.
We found the break-wall off the town of Burlington to be virtually submerged as are many (aid to navigation) buoys.
The area faces this flooding while still recovering from damage caused by hurricane "Irene" (2011).