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Washington, D.C. --- The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a giant water resources development bill that included funding for the South River Flood Control Project and the Marlboro Township Watersheds Restoration Project. Funding for these two projects was requested by U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rush Holt (D-NJ).
The two New Jersey congressmen said the House authorized $73.2 million in federal funds for the South River Flood Control Project. The 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 connected Sayreville and South River Boroughs.
A feasibility report completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report in 2002 recommended a hurricane and storm damage (HSD) protection plan that should protect against the worst possible storm or hurricane.
"Today, the House dedicated itself to provide funding for the South River flood control project," Pallone said. "I'm hopeful that the Army Corps' plan will protect residents along the river, and I look forward to moving ahead with this project."
“I am pleased that the House of Representatives has authorized funding for this project,” said Holt. “I hope it moves us closer to providing much needed relief to South River.”
The Army Corps has completed a chief's report for this project and executed a design agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection DEP). The project is currently in the Pre-construction, Engineering, and Design (PED) phase. The estimated total cost of the project is $112.6 million, with $73.2 coming from the federal government and $39.4 coming from the state.
The Water Resources Development Act of 2005 (WRDA) authorizes water projects for the Army Corps for the next 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. |
