Vital Projects In NJ-11 Approved For Federal Funds: Rep. Sherrill

NEW JERSEY — Last month, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill put forth a list of 10 proposed projects in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, urging the House Committee on Appropriations to fund the “crucial” efforts.

On Tuesday, Sherrill shared some good news: they all cleared a big hurdle.

According to the congresswoman, all 10 of the community projects she submitted on behalf of the district have received funding approval in the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2022 funding bills.

The 11th District includes several municipalities in Morris, Essex, Passaic and Sussex counties.

Sherrill said the next steps for these Appropriations FY22 funding bills are first to be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then to be considered and voted on by the full House on the floor. Following House passage, they will then need to clear the Senate.

The Senate has not yet indicated whether they will include Community Funding Projects in their legislation, she said Tuesday.

But according to Sherrill, they’d make an “overwhelming impact” throughout the district.

“These projects were submitted by nonprofits and municipal organizations who are working hard to meet the needs of their communities,” she said. “If enacted, this potential funding could be the difference that gets them across the finish line.”

The congresswoman continued:

“Whether they’re infrastructure enhancements or mental health support programs or expansions of affordable housing and childcare, these ten projects will each make a lasting impact on the lives, livelihoods, and resilience of the communities they serve across all four NJ-11 counties. Now is the time to keep fighting to ensure this funding remains in these appropriations bills and makes its way into our communities. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to include these critical projects in their appropriations process, and deliver New Jersey the support we deserve.”

The full list of projects follows below. To read more about each project, click here.

Bloomfield Township Lead Service Line Replacement Program

• Requested Amount: $255,000
• Amount Approved: $255,000

The funding would be used for the replacement of lead service lines and customer water meters to improve water quality and promote public health and safety in the community. This project will replace 30 lines along Main Terrace, an area home to traditionally underserved populations who may not have the financial means to upgrade their water system.

Hopatcong PFAS Water System Upgrade Phase 1

• Requested Amount: $800,000
• Amount Approved: $800,000

The funding would be used for the installation of above ground vessels containing either granular activated carbon or ion exchange materials at the location of water wells with elevated PFAS levels. The well water would filter through these vessels prior to discharge to the Borough potable water distribution system.

Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris's Suicide Prevention Services

• Requested Amount: $296,550
• Amount Approved: $300,000

The funding would be used for Suicide Prevention Services, which are designed to provide specific presentations on suicide prevention for schools. These services can also be provided to the greater community, including parents, family members, houses of worship, and colleges. The services will be provided in Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex Counties. The project will include a media campaign to increase awareness regarding mental health with information on how and where to find help.

Morris Habitat for Humanity

• Requested Amount: $3,000,000
• Amount Approved: $3,000,000

The funding would be used for the construction of twenty-five affordable homes and a community room at 42 Bennett Avenue, Randolph, NJ. The 2.5-acre property is currently owned by Randolph Township and will be sold to Morris Habitat for $1.00. The township will be responsible for environmental remediation, demolition of existing structures, site design, approvals and permitting. Eligible Morris County families will earn the benefits of homeownership by completing hours of labor at the site and their no-interest mortgage program.

Morris Plains Traffic Improvements

• Requested Amount: $136,330
• Amount Approved: $136,000

The funding would be used to enhance pedestrian walkway safety features. This includes new sidewalks and crosswalks, a pedestrian overpass, intersection improvement, and traffic signal optimization. This will provide safe pedestrian access to public transportation for approximately 420 residents living in Foxwoods and Davenport Village affordable housing apartments.

Peckman River Flood Mitigation

• Requested Amount: $500,000
• Amount Approved: $500,000

This project would provide the Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) for the Army Corps Peckman River project. The Recommended Plan includes a combination of a diversion culvert connecting the Peckman and Passaic Rivers; associated weirs; levees and floodwalls; channel modifications; and nonstructural measures within the ten percent floodplain upstream of Route 46.

Stanhope Water Main Replacement

• Requested Amount: $250,000
• Amount Approved: $250,000

The funding would be used for the replacement of undersized water mains on Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road, and Overhill Road in Stanhope Borough. The water mains are 70 years old and past their useful lifespan. It is essential that the aging drinking water infrastructure be replaced as the current water main system is unreliable. Replacement will also improve the Borough’s overall waterflow, advancing public safety and emergency preparedness.

Totowa PAL Fields Recreational Lighting

• Requested Amount: $649,000
• Amount Approved: $649,000

The funding would be used for the purchase and installation of poles and new LED lights for the football field and Lincoln 90 baseball field at the Totowa PAL Fields complex, located at 150 Chamberlain Avenue in Totowa. This project will help provide a safe outdoor recreation space for all Totowa residents. These lights will not only be used during scheduled sporting events, but by multiple community groups for other activities that take place at these fields throughout the year.

United In Care, United Way of Northern New Jersey

• Requested Amount: $3,100,000
• Amount Approved: $1,100,000

The funding would be used to expand United Way of Northern New Jersey’s collaborative project, United in Care, to New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. This program aims to rebuild New Jersey’s early education and care sector after having lost 71 percent of family childcare providers. The program will include small, minority, and women-owned businesses; state-supported referral agencies; early education experts; data analysts; funders and the community.

West Orange Degnan Park Senior Citizens Park Improvements Project

• Requested Amount: $250,000
• Amount Approved: $250,000

The funding would be used for the expansion of Degnan Park’s existing amenities and enhancement of the site for ADA accessibility. Degnan Park is located at Alisa Drive and Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange. The project will provide recreation equipment for low impact fitness geared towards older adults to help improve fitness and decrease loneliness.

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