The Toms River Township Council has adopted a bond ordinance that will allow municipal officials to undertake paving and road improvements throughout the community.
During a meeting on Nov. 13 at the municipal building, the township’s five council members voted unanimously to move forward with a $5 million bond ordinance.
Council members said the bond ordinance will help the Department of Engineering improve drainage in the Pleasant Plains area of Toms River that includes Lakewood and Whitesville roads.
The project will allow engineers to elevate Sixth Terrace on Ortley Beach to 2 feet above sea level, officials said.
“This ordinance will help the project to mitigate flooding in the Pleasant Plains area and to elevate Sixth Terrace to mitigate flooding. These improvements are especially important in light of the devastation experienced by the township during superstorm Sandy,” Councilwoman Laurie Huryk said.
“Whenever a resident reports a problem or a township employee observes areas that are prone to flooding, the township takes that risk very seriously and develops a plan to mitigate future flood damage. Our engineers then make recommendations and the council relies upon their expertise for guidance, as in this case,” Huryk said.
Councilwoman Maria Maruca thanked the members of the capital committee for developing a list of improvements that can be accommodated in the municipal budget.
Officials said the capital committee meets regularly to review the long-term infrastructure needs of the community, as those needs regard municipal parks, buildings, road and other improvements.