TRENTON, NJ, Aug. 27, 2015 -- In an effort to protect the environment and modernize critical New Jersey infrastructure, Governor Chris Christie recently signed legislation authorizing up to $1.94 billion in state financing for projects to improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across the state. The funding includes $776 million to upgrade and protect facilities from storms and flooding such as what occurred during Superstorm Sandy.
The New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have been working in partnership for decades to provide financing to projects that will protect and enhance water quality. This mission took on added significance following Sandy, with the development of the Statewide Assistance Infrastructure Loan, or SAIL, program, which expedites the financing process to get work done more quickly in anticipation of Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster reimbursement.
"There can be no compromise when it comes to the integrity of the state's water infrastructure systems and the impact they have on our communities and our environment," said Christie. "Through this legislation, more than 280 projects will be authorized for low-interest loans and no-interest financing that will make infrastructure throughout New Jersey more storm-resilient, enhance and protect the state's water quality, and create jobs and advance economic development."
Operators of infrastructure in New Jersey have undertaken a wide range of storm-resiliency projects, including replacement and hardening of pump stations, restoring and protecting key treatment and administrative facilities, construction of flood-protection walls and elevation of existing walls, ensuring backup power generators are protected, relocating infrastructure to safer ground, and construction of pumping systems to remove flood waters.
Storm-hardening projects authorized for funding include:
- Nearly $185 million for the Middlesex County Utilities Authority that will allow for restoration of Sayreville and Edison pump stations, and protection from future flooding. The financing will also fund upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant
- Approximately $78 million for the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for repairs and upgrades to infrastructure
- More than $72 million for ongoing restoration and resiliency projects for the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority in Union Beach
- More than $33 million for work to construct a sea wall and improve the resiliency of the Atlantic County Utilities Authority treatment plant in Atlantic City
- Nearly $16 million for construction of wet-weather pumping stations and up to $30 million in additional funds for stormwater and green infrastructure to address flooding in Hoboken.
See also:
"NJ American Water to resume treating water with chloramines in six counties"
"NJ American Water recognized for pioneering pipeline infrastructure plans"
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