Jersey Water Works’ Comments on WIIP NJDEP Intended Use Plans for use of $300 million in ARP Fund

WIIP NJDEP Intended Use Plans in response to $300 million SFY2023
Comments Submitted on Behalf of the Jersey Water Works Collaborative

The urgency of the water infrastructure problem in New Jersey’s older cities and towns cannot be overstated. Certain water systems are over a century old, in disrepair, and are unable to handle the increasing demand that comes with successful urban revitalization and the demand of climate change fueled storms.

The 600+ members of Jersey Water Works (JWW) are working to transform New Jersey’s inadequate water infrastructure through sustainable, cost-effective solutions that provide communities with clean water and waterways, healthier, safer neighborhoods, local jobs, flood and climate resilience, and economic growth.

JWW celebrates and appreciates the recently allocated $300 million funding from the federal American Rescue Plan for water infrastructure in the FY23 state budget.

JWW promotes the need and prioritization of funding for water infrastructure projects that remove barriers for under-resourced and systematically marginalized communities. We encourage NJDEP to move this money quickly to such communities with a portion of the funds for technical assistance grants.

JWW’s current action agenda includes the implementation of Long Term Control Plans (LTCP) to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO), the removal of lead in drinking water, and improved management of flooding and stormwater, including the use of green infrastructure. We encourage funding for these issues.

We thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Jersey Water Works Co-Chairs
Andy Kricun, Moonshot Missions
Nicole Miller, MnM Consulting

Jersey Water Works Contact Person:
Paula Figueroa-Vega, Program Manager, Jersey Water Works
pfigueroa@njfuture.org