From NJ Assembly Republican News
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia’s bill funding over a dozen dam restoration and repair projects in the state cleared the full Assembly last week, sending it to the governor’s desk for his signature.
The bill (A3951/S2594) taps into $28.7 million in unused funds from a 1992 clean water bond and a 2003 flood control bond to finance the costs of 17 dam restoration and repair projects.
“Sussex County is home to the most dams in New Jersey. We also have a large portion of dams that would cause significant destruction and economic losses if they were to fail,” Fantasia (R-Sussex) said. “Maintaining those dams by performing the proper repairs is the best way to protect our residents, businesses and natural assets.”
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Dam Safety, there are 1,730 regulated dams in New Jersey, many of which are concentrated in the northern and central parts of the state. Nearly half of the dams are owned by private entities or individuals.
Fantasia’s legislation allows owners of private dams and lake associations to work with local governments to receive the loans to carry out the repairs.
“New Jersey has been largely fortunate to be spared from catastrophic dam failures, but even small failures can cause damage that come with hefty cleanup costs,” Fantasia added. “This funding ensures that necessary repairs can proceed without delay, using resources already available. Proactive investments like this help maintain public safety and economic stability.”
While New Jersey has not been included in any FEMA disaster declarations directly related to dam failures, six dams failed and 51 were damaged during 2011’s Tropical Storm Irene. That storm resulted in the largest coastal evacuation in state history, took 12 lives and cost over $760 million in property damage.
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