Downe Township,
New Jersey
Press
Release: June 28, 2024
For
Additional Information Contact:
Mayor Mike Rothman - Rothmandowne@gmail.com
Cumberland
County Commissioner Director, Joseph Sileo
JOINT STATEMENT:
Financing Completed for
Fortescue
and Gandy’s Beach Sewer Project
Construction
to Start in July
Township of Downe, County of Cumberland and
State of New Jersey – After more than a decade of planning, the Downe
Township Sewer Project is now a reality.
The financing through the New Jersey Infrastructure Trust was completed
earlier this week, the last step before construction can commence.
“The US
Department of Agriculture, our Federal Legislators, the State, and the
Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners have been tremendous partners
on this project” stated Mayor Mike Rothman.
“This project has been planned
for years and most people thought it would never happen.” “I am grateful for the efforts of all
involved including the members of successive Downe Township Committees,
Township Administration and Township professionals as this project could not be
brought to fruition without their dedication.”
Since Superstorm Sandy a
concerted effort by Federal, State, County and local officials has made this project
a reality. The sewer treatment plant
will enhance the quality of Downe Township’s waterways, protects the health of
its oyster beds and aquatic life, and allows for the redevelopment and
revitalization of Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach.
In addition to the $13.7
million in grants and $3.8 million in loans provided from USDA, the project
financing includes $5.5 million in grants and $6.6 million in loans from the
New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. Congressional
Directed Spending of $4 million was provided as a result of the efforts of U.S.
Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Jeff Van Drew and with the support of
Senator Michael Testa. An additional $2
million in grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation and a
$150,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs was also
secured. Rutala Associates, a local
planning firm, worked with local officials to secure all the funding for this
project.
“The Bayshore area is a
beautiful, environmentally sensitive area and this system will allow homeowners
to abandon old septic systems for a modern sewer system,” noted Mayor Rothman.
Downe Township was
severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012, and five other
coastal storms over a two-year period.
Homes and businesses were destroyed, bulkheads breached, and beaches
were washed away. Sandy struck at a time when Downe Township was already
suffering from a prolonged economic decline.
The slide started with the near collapse of the region’s historically
successful oyster industry in the 1950s and a more recent decrease in
recreational fishing that has been crippling the charter fleet, marinas and
small businesses that serve as the backbone of Downe Township.
Despite these setbacks,
Downe Township is better placed now than ever before in its history to
capitalize on its natural assets and rejuvenate the Township’s economic base.
Since the
Township could not afford to fund this sewer system independently, a Memorandum
of Agreement was signed by the State, County and Township demonstrating a true
partnership and commitment to build this plant in a timely manner.
Cumberland County Commissioner Director Joseph Sileo
stated, “The County is proud to be a partner in this project which will both
develop new ratables and address a long-standing environmental concerns.”
The total
project cost is $35.8 million, and development is planned in two phases. Phase 1 is the Fortescue System including the
treatment plan and Phase 2 will serve Gandy’s Beach. Construction will commence next month with
completion expected by the Summer of 2026.