Could Trump Strip Money From Piscataway Flood Project For Wall?

PISCATAWAY, NJ — After days of toying with the idea, President Donald Trump said Monday he has now backed away from the idea of declaring a national state of emergency to use disaster-relief money to pay for his badly-sought wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

That's a good thing, too, says Piscataway Mayor Brian Wahler, who said such a declaration from Trump could result in money possibly being siphoned away from a major flood-relief project underway in Piscataway, the Green Brook Flood Control Project.

The Green Brook Flood Control Project is currently being executed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The flood control project is designed to prevent future flooding in 13 towns including and surrounding Piscataway; once complete, it will allow for better drainage from approximately 65 square miles. When finished, it will alleviate flooding in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. Central Jersey neighborhoods that are usually underwater in heavy rains would be dry.

Wahler said Friday he is worried Trump could strip funding from the project because the federal government has been slated to fund 75 percent of Green Brook's $656 million+ price tag. As recently as last Thursday, Trump said he would direct the Army Corps of Engineers to review its budget for potential funds to divert to the wall.

“How much longer will Republican enablers in Congress allow this petulant president to bypass the rule of law,” asked Mayor Wahler. “Are we really to believe that Trump can conjure up a phony crisis and divert taxpayer money? How much further will Mitch McConnell allow Trump to bypass the authority of Congress to determine federal appropriations?”

Wahler, a Democrat, also called the wall "unnecessary."

Even though he spent the majority of last week saying he would declare a state of emergency and use disaster funds, Trump backed away from the idea Monday.

“I’m not looking to call a national emergency,” Trump told reporters on Monday, according to Vox. “This is so simple, you shouldn’t have to do it.”

Wahler also praised Congressional Democrats for "standing strong" against Trump and continuing the shutdown.

“As Trump plays his political game of Rio Grande ridiculousness, hardworking taxpayers of New Jersey are being robbed,” Wahler said. “I want to thank Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Senator Bob Menendez and Senator Cory Booker for standing strong for New Jersey and our nation.”

Photos provided to Patch by Piscataway Township.