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Washington, D.C. --- The U.S. House of Representatives last night approved a water resources development conference report 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 conference report reconciles different bills water resources bills that were passed earlier this year by the House and Senate. The Senate is expected to approve the conference report this week and then it heads to the president's desk for his approval.
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. "Earlier this year, 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 conference report is an important step in mitigating the damage that heavy rains can cause for the community. I look forward to President Bush signing WRDA into law so that the Army Corps can 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 estimate the statewide damage of an April nor'easter, which hit Central New Jersey particularly hard, was $180 million. 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. 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.
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