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Washington, D.C. --- The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a water resources development bill that authorizes federal funding for the South River Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project. The project was requested by U.S. Reps. Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).
The two New Jersey congressmen said the House authorized $79.5 million in federal funds to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the South River project. The project area is located within the lower Raritan Basin in Middlesex County. The South River is the first major tributary of the Raritan River, located approximately 8.3 miles upstream of the Raritan River's mouth at Raritan Bay.
"This authorization is critical to minimizing flood damage and protecting these unique ecosystems," Pallone said. "This week, we once again saw how destructive flood damage can be to both houses and businesses along the river. I hope that the Army Corps' plan will protect residents along the flood-prone South River, and I look forward to moving ahead with this project."
“South River’s vulnerability to flooding is well-known by residents,” said Holt. “The House’s approval of this legislation is an important step in mitigating the damage that heavy rains can cause for the community. I look forward to the Senate’s passage of this legislation so that the Army Corps can implement its plan to make South River residents, homes, and businesses, safer from floods.”
South River is prone to imminent and severe flooding from hurricanes and other storms. In March 1993, a storm caused $17 million in damages and closed the highway bridge connecting Sayreville and South River Boroughs. State officials are still evaluating damage from a storm that hit Central New Jersey hard earlier this week. These funds will assist with planned flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration tasks including constructing a storm surge barrier along the South River, two combined levees/floodwalls, and interior drainage facilities.
The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA) authorizes water projects for the Army Corps and is intended to be considered by Congress every two years. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for its approval. While authorization legislation lists specific funding levels, the South River project must still go through the annual appropriations process to receive the funding included in WRDA. |
