NJ Lawmakers Want $500K To Stop Peckman River Flooding In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When a severe storm dumped several inches of rain in Essex County earlier this winter, it caused bodies of water across the region to swell past their flood stages, including the Peckman River. In a region that was ravaged by Hurricane Ida just a few years ago, it was a nervous trip down memory lane for many local homeowners. Now, people who live in the county are left wondering when – not if – another devastating flood situation will happen.

And this is why three Republican lawmakers from the 40th District have teamed up to pitch for more state funding to help prevent future floods along the Peckman, they say.

Earlier this week, Sen. Kristin Corrado, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips and Assemblyman Al Barlas introduced legislation that would appropriate $500,000 in state funds to fuel a “Peckman River Dredging and Restoration Project” in Cedar Grove, Little Falls, Verona and Woodland Park.

The Peckman River, a tributary of the Passaic River, starts in West Orange and flows through the townships of Verona, Cedar Grove and Little Falls, until it meets the Passaic River in Woodland Park.

Under the proposal, the state commissioner of environmental protection would establish an application process to determine the amount of funding provided to each municipality for the purposes of cleaning, dredging or restoring the river.

The bills – A-3927 and S-2898 – will now see further review.

“This bill would not only protect our residents from the devastating flood damage, but also give them the peace of mind they deserve every time it rains,” Corrado said.

According to DePhillips, persistent flooding along the Peckman River has created long-term financial struggles for both residents and municipalities. Millions of dollars’ worth of damage can occur in a matter of minutes, he said.

“Community members don’t wonder if another storm will cause significant flooding issues – they wonder when,” DePhillips urged.

Barlas said the Peckman River cuts through residential areas. When it floods, it has the ability to destroy homes, businesses and property – and has even claimed lives.

“That is why we are pushing for state aid to provide towns with funding to prevent future disasters,” Barlas said. “Our communities shouldn’t have to live in fear every time it rains.”

The lawmakers also sponsored a measure (S-2897/A-3928) that funds dredging and restoration of the Passaic River.

• See Related: This NJ Law Could Battle Flooding. So Why Isn't Anyone Using It?
• See Related: In Ida's Wake: Drone Captures Videos Of 2 Rivers In Essex County

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