Cranford Will Get $1.8 Million for Flood Project

Cranford Will Get $1.8 Million for Flood Project

   Cranford’s plans to address flooding received a major boost today with the approval of the State budget, which includes $1.8 million for Cranford to do a Southside Stormwater Improvement Project. Governor Phil Murphy came to Cranford today to sign the New Jersey State budget, that included this funding for Cranford and millions more in State funded infrastructure projects.

    “In April, we submitted a request for $1,870,906 to fund critical stormwater improvements in a 50-acre area that includes South Union Avenue, Retford Avenue, Walnut Avenue and High Street,” said Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty. “This wasn’t to do a study but to actually get a project done, said the Mayor.

     Last fall, the Township hired engineering firm Mott MacDonald to propose solutions for flooding solutions in this neighborhood. “This entire area drains toward South Avenue and High Street causing repetitive flooding for residents and business, particularly where High Street meets Chestnut Avenue and South Avenue,” said Mayor Prunty. Mott MacDonald proposed a 2-phase stormwater improvement project, including an express sewer and pumping equipment to move stormwater out of the neighborhood. “Having a proposed plan with cost estimates strengthened our funding request and demonstrated our readiness to implement a project,” added the Mayor.

      The appropriation in the State budget will fund Phase 1 of the Southside Stormwater Improvement Project.  Phase 2, costing approximately$1 million, will be funded with a $400,000 contribution from Iron Ore Developers as part of its South & Chestnut Redevelopment Project, and $600,000 from the Township’s Capital Budget. 

      “Securing this funding demonstrates the importance of collaboration and partnership in local government,” said Mayor Prunty. “Public Works Commissioner Brian Andrews was instrumental in pushing for a project proposal. Myself and Deputy Mayor Jason Gareis worked closely with Senate President Nick Scutari’s office in advocating for Cranford. And those efforts were bolstered by the revamped Flood Advisory Committee, particularly  Ann Dooley, chair of the Stormwater Infrastructure Planning group, and Patrick Giblin, State-Regional Planning Working Group.”  Prunty continued.

      “We’re grateful to Governor Murphy, Senator Scutari, and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin for their efforts to help Cranford address one area of repetitive and catastrophic flooding that has occurred in town,” said Prunty. “We know there is a great deal more that needs to be done in other areas of Cranford and we are working to define additional projects. But, we view this as a great start and look forward to building on this collaboration for future projects that will bring relief to Cranford’s residents.”