Officials mark new funding, kickoff for $85M flood prevention project

Listen to this article

During a June 5 event in Monmouth Beach, officials highlighted the start of the sewer/pump station Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority (TRWRA) Project, as well as another $20 million in federal funding toward the roughly $85 million endeavor.

TRWRA’s systems serve more than 90,000 people across 12 towns and two military bases in Monmouth County with facilities including 200 miles of sanitary sewer mains, 18 pump stations and nine meter chambers.

The two-part project will replace more than 3,000 feet of sewer line and replace and relocate a critical main pump station. Officials – who noted damage suffered during Superstorm Sandy – said these measures will bolster resilience of crucial wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

The work also includes pipe being constructed with fiberglass and being moved from 25 feet to 100 feet underwater.

“Thanks in no small part to the tireless work of FEMA and our congressional delegation, this project will help protect tens of thousands of New Jerseyans from future storms and flooding,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “Crucially, by committing federal dollars toward the overhaul of this critical infrastructure, the state will realize a considerable return on its investment of FEMA resilience funding without imposing additional taxpayer burdens. It’s smart, forward-looking investments like these that will better prepare and protect our local communities and economies against the worsening impacts of climate change.”

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said with the increasing frequency of devastating storms, it is essential to invest in our critical infrastructure with projects like this.

Kicking Off the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority (TRWRA) Project: https://t.co/SsxnZQcg7r

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 5, 2023

“This federal and state investment for the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority will play an essential role in ensuring that coastal communities in Monmouth County are protected for generations to come,” said Menendez.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th District, said that coastal resiliency has been a top priority, especially since the devastation caused by Sandy.

“This funding will help make critical improvements to the sewer line and pump station that will safeguard our rivers and surrounding waters from a devastating sewage spill and future flooding events,” said Pallone.

“We need 21st century infrastructure to support the Monmouth County of the future and protect us against extreme weather events like major flooding,” said state Sen. Vin Gopal, D-11th District. “These projects are fundamental to keeping our communities clean, healthy, and prepared. Thanks to this infusion of funding, Monmouth County will have a modernized infrastructure to safeguard our communities and natural resources. This will be instrumental during storm events to keep our homes, businesses, and beaches disaster free.”

“The Authority is eager to start this critical project and appreciates the governor and legislators working for Two Rivers to get this grant to decrease the impact on our ratepayers,” said Michael Gianforte, executive director of TRWRA.

Officials expect the project to be completed in 2026.