WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) announced today’s House-passed Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 2028) included a $500,000 allocation for the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study.
“This project earned the appropriation based on its great merit. The municipalities that have experienced severe flooding from the Rahway River deserve the completion of the Study and the implementation of a plan that will protect life and property. I thank the Mayors’ Council and local leaders for continuing to advocate on behalf of their communities. It has made a difference. I also thank Chairman Mike Simpson and the Appropriations Committee for their thoughtful consideration of the Study,” said Lance, the federal representative for many of the affected towns.
The Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study has been ongoing for 13 years. Earlier this year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2015 Work Plan included a $500,000 commitment following an aggressive campaign by Lance and other federal lawmakers. The allocation included in today’s measure is an additional $500,000. If today’s measure is signed into law, the Study would have significant monument from a large federal investment which will greatly increase the likelihood of completion.
Lance’s personal appeal to Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (ID-02) included both a meeting with the Chairman and a letter that noted, “All state, local and regional stakeholders for the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study are in support of the construction alternatives for the project and have been meeting on a regular basis in an effort to move the project forward in the most effective and efficient manner. However, I believe a year without funding would halt all progress and would put the ultimate construction of this critical flood control project in jeopardy.”
Lance also recently welcomed the Mayors’ Council on Rahway River Watershed Flood Control to Washington for an update on the project.
Mayor Robert Tillotson of Millburn Township, one of the many municipalities located on the banks of the Rahway River, stated the residents of his township are very grateful for all the work and success so far. “The continued recognition by Congress of the importance of the Rahway River flood mitigation plan and Congressman Lance’s vital efforts are appreciated.”
Mayor Manuel Figueiredo of Union Township added, “It’s a breath of fresh air when government works as it should to protect life and property. We want to thank Congressman Lance and Congress for funding this Study for a second year in a row, and will work to support his efforts until they are signed into law.”
H.R. 2028 now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
