Governor Corzine Announces List of Environmental Projects Eligible for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding

SAYREVILLE -More than 400 New Jersey clean water and drinking water projects are eligible to receive $204 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, Governor Corzine announced today. Earlier this year, the Department of Environmental Protection solicited potential project proposals in anticipation funds would become available, resulting in a list of ranked, bid-ready projects.

"While the economy is our number one priority, we must always remain conscious that without a clean, sustainable environment, economic prosperity will be difficult," Governor Corzine said. "The DEP's quick action in identifying and ranking these infrastructure improvement proposals from throughout the state has given New Jersey a tremendous advantage in preparing to put shovels in the ground to get projects underway and people back to work. This is a win for everyone, but more importantly, it's the right thing to do for the communities and residents of New Jersey."

Governor Corzine said the Middlesex County Utilities Authority is an example of the types of projects that can benefit from stimulus funding. The Authority has proposed six projects estimated at a total of $25 million to keep important waste treatment infrastructure upgraded.

Of the $204 million total in ARRA funding, $161 million will be available for clean water projects and $43 million for drinking water projects. The Environmental Protection Agency must review and approve each project.

"These funds will put people to work in jobs that benefit the local economy and provide long-term benefits to the regional infrastructure," said Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. "This is the type of investment that will help us work our way through the recession and have worthwhile projects in place for many years to come. The grant will be used for critical water infrastructure projects. Municipalities will use the Recovery Act funds to protect, maintain and improve water quality throughout the state."

The Department of Environmental Protection has prioritized clean water projects to eliminate sewer overflows, halt releases of raw sewage, preventing discharge into waterways, and improving water quality in polluted areas. Drinking water projects have been categorized to include compliance with public health, drinking water infrastructure plans, areas experiencing a high level of population growth, and areas of greatest financial need.

Under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act guidelines, 20 percent of the funds must be provided for green projects meaning green infrastructure, energy and/or water efficiency, and environmentally-innovative projects.

"The Department of Environmental Protection is ready to advance New Jersey's stimulus program for environmental and infrastructure upgrades and improvements," DEP Acting Commissioner Mark N. Mauriello said. "We've reviewed and prioritized each and every application submitted to us. From improved water quality to habitat restoration, these projects will contribute greatly to New Jersey's environment and quality of life. I look forward to EPA's approval of the projects which will help to get people back to work."

To view the complete project list, go to DEP's Web site under featured topics: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/

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Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/