Gov. Sherrill, DOT Delivers $1.2M To NJ Town Ravaged By Sinkholes

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — As a Warren County town continues to suffer from sinkhole issues, Governor Mikie Sherrill paid a visit to deliver words of encouragement, and perhaps more importantly, repair funding.

On Friday morning, Sherrill arrived in Phillipsburg, at the site where sinkholes have been burdening the community for weeks, to announce that the state is providing a $1.2 million Department of Transportation grant for permanent repairs.

Related: State Of Emergency Declared In NJ Town After Sinkhole Swallows Dump Truck

“This is what government does,” Sherrill said. “Bringing resources to an area where we really need to make sure we’re making people whole after an unexpected calamity.”

The governor spoke on how difficult this kind of funding can be, given the “out-of-control” state budget New Jersey is facing. A $3 billion deficit could lead to program slashing throughout the state.

“We’re about to have a big budget fight, and I have a feeling there are going to be a couple of places where we’re not totally aligned,” she said. “But, there are a lot of places where we agree: Taking care of people, delivering to the people of New Jersey, making sure that we are fighting for better opportunities for people, and really directing government to where it is most needed… So we are providing $1.2 million to get the permanent fix in for this road, to make sure that people are kept safe here.”

Even as the permanent fixes are put in place, issues, including sinkhole reopenings, broken water mains, and electrical problems, continue to pop up, according to town officials.

For now, several residents are still not allowed in their homes, and a number of businesses have been temporarily closed as repairs are made in the area of Summit Avenue and Lewis Street.

“I know this is extremely disruptive, I know it’s the last thing you want to see, and I know homeowners are out of their homes right now,” the governor said. “So we will continue this work, I really appreciate all of you who are here today working hard on this road for us… I asked them to please do this as quickly and as safely as possible so we can really get this road done.”

Sherrill added that her administration will be working with the Senate and Phillipsburg officials to find solutions for displaced homeowners who may be suffering from insurance issues as a result of the sinkholes.

A timeline of when the roadways will be permanently fixed was not specified.