$4.6 Million in Federal Funds Awarded for Lake Lenape Dam Project

Atlantic County and Hamilton Township recently received confirmation of a $4.6 million federal funding award for the $6 million Lake Lenape Dam Rehabilitation and Spillway Reconstruction project in Hamilton Township.

“Congressman Jeff Van Drew strongly supports our efforts and recommended this project for federal funding,” explained County Executive Dennis Levinson. “The improvements will stabilize the dam and reduce the risk of flooding for approximately 100 properties.”

$178 million in funding from the federal government’s $1.5 trillion spending bill has been approved for community projects in New Jersey. The Lake Lenape Dam project is one of seven such projects approved in Atlantic County.

“This is a tremendous win for Atlantic County that will reduce the costs for our taxpayers. Without Jeff Van Drew it would not have been possible,” Levinson said. “We are extremely grateful for his assistance.”

The project includes renovations to the dam’s powerhouse and the reconstruction of the spillway as well as improvements to the embankments.

“The announcement that federal funding will be used to complete these projects is great news for Atlantic County and Hamilton Township, and I am proud to have worked diligently in securing this funding,” said Congressman Van Drew. “I look forward to seeing the completion of the Lake Lenape Dam and the vast improvements this funding will provide to Atlantic County.”

The dam was built in the mid-1800s and used by a cotton mill until it closed in 1940. The dam was acquired by Hamilton Township in 1978 and several years later the county became a co-owner to share the financial burden with the township.

Construction is scheduled to begin next spring and be completed in two years.