Following the signing of legislation to fund improvements through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust, Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex) announced $25 million in funding for clean water projects in the 16th Legislative District.

Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman announced $25 million in funding to for clean water projects in the 16th District. (Wikimedia Commons)

“We have to ensure that the people of New Jersey have access to clean water,” Senator Bateman said. “In order to do that, our infrastructure has to be upgraded and modernized throughout the state.”

Two pieces of legislation, S-3240 and S-3241, that provide more than $500 million for clean water and drinking water projects through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust were signed into law last week. Through the legislation, the NJEIT will provide market-rate loans to local governments and privately-owned water companies for between 25- and 75-percent of project costs.

As part of that funding, two projects in the 16th District will receive a total of $25 million through the Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2018 Clean Water Project Eligibility List. The Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority will receive a total allowable loan of $13.5 million, and Somerville Borough will receive a total allowable loan of $11.5 million.

“This is a great example of our commitment to environmental infrastructure projects that ensure the health and safety of our residents,” Senator Bateman said. “Our wastewater and drinking water facilities must be prepared for the demands and challenges of the future.”