| FLOOD-DAMAGED MULE TENDER'S
BARRACKS AT D&R CANAL STATE PARK
RECEIVES RENOVATION FUNDING
(06/64) FRANKLIN - The flood-damaged mule tender's
barracks at the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park in Franklin
Township, Somerset County, has received $750,000 in renovation funding,
Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson
announced today.
"This project will restore a unique piece of our state's history
that was seriously damaged by floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane
Floyd,'' Commissioner Jackson said. "The damage done to this
building reminds us that protection of our state's historic sites
requires our unwavering attention.''
The mule tender's barracks was damaged during flooding that occurred
in September 1999. The renovation will take into account protecting
the barracks from future floods.
Measures include laying a slate floor in keeping with the building's
history over a more durable concrete floor. Drainage vents will
be installed and utilities will be raised above flood levels.
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a popular multi-use
recreational corridor, providing opportunities for canoeing, jogging,
hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding. The park also is
a valuable wildlife corridor connecting fields and forests.
With its 19th-century bridges, bridge tender houses, locks, cobblestone
spillways and hand-built stone-arched culverts, the canal is a tremendous
attraction for history lovers.
Largely dug by hand by immigrants, the canal system was completed
in 1834 primarily to transport coal from Pennsylvania to New York
City. Nearly 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder
canal still exist, with many historic structures such as the mule
tender's barracks along the canal.
On Nov. 7, New Jersey voters will consider a constitutional amendment
that would provide a dedicated source of funding for maintenance
and capital improvement projects to benefit sites like this one.
The amendment will provide a dedicated source of funding totaling
$15 million a year until 2015 and $32 million annually beginning
in 2016.
The renovation work is funded through the Garden State Preservation
Trust. Once completed, the building will be reopened as an interpretive
facility.
To learn more about Ballot Question #2, visit www.njsos.org
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