Pallone: House Approves Funding for South and Raritan Rivers in Middlesex County

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Conference Report that includes funding for the South River flood control project and the maintenance dredging of the Raritan River. The conference report reconciled differences between the House and Senate appropriations bills that were passed earlier this year. The final report now goes to the President's desk for his review and signature.

"Securing these funds will allow important maintenance dredging and flood protection projects to continue in Middlesex County,” Pallone said. “Completing the maintenance dredging of the Raritan River will ensure that this highly-traveled river is safe for both commercial and recreational ships to navigate.”

The conference report included $314,000 for the South River Flood Damage Reduction & Ecosystem Restoration project. The funds will be used to continue the preconstruction, engineering and design phase of the project.

A feasibility study was completed in 2002 and recommended hurricane and storm damage protection consisting of storm surge barriers, two levees and floodwalls and drainage facilities.

Pallone, along with U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, officially requested the funding for the South River earlier this year.

The conference report also included $292,000 for maintenance dredging of the Raritan River.