FREEHOLD – The Borough Council has adopted an ordinance that will provide the initial funding for the design and construction of a new water treatment plant in Freehold Borough.
The ordinance was adopted in a unanimous vote following a public hearing on March 19. The governing body’s action appropriates $500,000, consisting of a $25,000 down payment and authorizing the issuance of $475,000 in bonds and notes.
The ordinance’s adoption followed a financial analysis and review of the existing water treatment plant that was presented to borough officials and members of the public during a special meeting earlier this year.
The cost of building a new water treatment plant has been estimated at $4.4 million, according to borough officials, who have been discussing the possibility since 2016, when the firm of Mott MacDonald conducted an analysis of the existing water treatment plant on Waterworks Road.
Borough officials were told that although the plant is maintained and operational with no major service disruptions, its primary equipment is approaching the end of its useful life. The plant was constructed in 1949 and most recently upgraded in 1977.
Council members were informed that although improvements could be made to address issues the plant is facing, the improvements would not address flooding concerns, or the pressure filters or the aeration and detention tanks that are approaching the end of their useful life.
A recommendation was made to build a new water treatment plant on the borough’s well field across Waterworks Road from the existing plant. Following the Jan. 29 special meeting, council members voiced support to construct a new plant and on March 19, with the adoption of the bond ordinance, took the next step toward doing so.
Commenting on the council’s adoption of the bond ordinance, Mayor Nolan Higgins said, “I am very pleased and excited to have this project move forward. An infrastructure improvement, such as our water plant project, is necessary to continue to provide our residents and businesses with ample and safe drinking water. We are being proactive in upgrading this very important asset.
“Freehold Borough will pursue cost-effective financing options through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The financing programs will provide low interest loans for the project. Our administrator, attorney, financial officer and engineers will closely monitor the financing, design and construction of the project,” Higgins said.