By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
A trio of bills recently signed by Gov. Chris Christie are paving the way for the funding of approximately $1.6 million in clean water projects.
The bills, signed into law on Thurs., Aug. 18, allow the state Environmental Infrastructure Trust to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects, appropriates funds to the Department of Environmental Protection for environmental infrastructure projects and changes submission and notice requirements for short-term and long-term financing for environmental infrastructure projects.
“This legislation streamlines the process of approving and financing important environmental infrastructure projects that protect our state’s drinking water and waterways,” Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-District 16), one of the sponsors of the bills, said. “It improves our ability to keep New Jersey’s water free of pollution and contaminants.”
More than 80 projects, totaling more than $440 million will be funded throughout the state as a result of the bills.
Included in those now funded projects are those in the “Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2017 Clean Water Project Priority List” and the “Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2017 Drinking Water Project Priority List.” Six clean water and two drinking water environmental infrastructure projects will also be funded as a result of the bills.
In Hillsborough Township, officials said the bills allow for the funding of a sanitary sewer extension along Euclid, Camden, Winding Way and Spring Valley roads.
Once completed, the project will provide sewer service to 39 homes along the stretch that have been saddled with failing septic systems.
“This will keep the water resources in our communities safe, without adding an additional burden on local property taxpayers,” Mr. Bateman said. “That’s a win for everyone.”
