N.J. legislation makes nearly $2 billion available for water infrastructure systems

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed three bills into law on Tuesday, which collectively make nearly $2 billion in state financing available for projects improving drinking water and wastewater facilities, including $776 million for storm and flooding protection.

“There can be no compromise when it comes to the integrity of the state’s water infrastructure systems and the impact they have on our communities and our environment,” Christie said. “Through this legislation, more than 280 projects will be authorized for low-interest loans and no-interest financing that will make infrastructure throughout New Jersey more storm-resilient, enhance and protect the state’s water quality, and create jobs and advance economic development.”

The funding provided by the new legislation will further the work of the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Statewide Assistance Infrastructure Loan (SAIL) program, which was created in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

“Projects such as these are critical to ensuring these vital public services remain in operation in times of natural disasters, and that our environment is protected,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said. “Sandy dealt a devastating blow to our drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, much of which is located along rivers and coastal areas that are vulnerable to severe flooding.”