Township of Downe, NJ – USDA Rural Development State Director Jane Asselta joined Downe Township Mayor Mike Rothman as they welcomed U.S. Senator Cory Booker and other key stakeholders to break ground on a $33 million wastewater treatment project in the Township of Downe, New Jersey.
The project addresses significant community needs and was made possible through joint funding efforts including the State of New Jersey, USDA Rural Development, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and NJ Infrastructure Bank. The groundbreaking announcement was made by Senator Booker, who addressed the crowd gathered at the Charlesworth Hotel & Restaurant overlooking the Delaware Bay.
“Replacing outdated septic systems and addressing the health and sanitary issues caused by flooding will improve the quality of life for the community of Downe Township and protect environmental health all the way down to the Delaware Bay,” said Senator Booker. “This project will have long-lasting benefits on clean water and effective waste management for the Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach communities. I’m proud to have helped secure federal funding that will protect the well-being of local residents and preserve the natural beauty of our state for future generations.”
Following several years of debilitating storms – to include Superstorm Sandy -- and subsequent issues related to failing infrastructure, the roughly 1,500 residents of Downe Township were often without usable wastewater systems. Through these investments, individual households will receive new septic systems, ensuring the wellbeing of the two communities that make up Downe’s waterfront populations.
“Championing this project is about securing the future of homeownership for the residents of Fortescue and Gandy's Beach,” said Asselta, a South Jersey native. “These investments improve the quality of life in the Delaware Bay by protecting the shellfish industry and local jobs tied to it, all the while preserving the smalltown, rural way of living in the area.”
In addition to household remedies, the Delaware Bay will also reap benefits from project implementation. Over the years, strong storms created significant flooding that submerged residential wastewater systems, resulting in unwanted effluence into the Bay. For an area that’s historically economically dependent on its shellfish, boating and aquaculture – closing the Bay for cleanup isn’t good for business.
Also attending was U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), whose push alongside Senator Booker to allocate a $4 million grant through congressionally directed community funding helped move the project across the finish line, making it the first of its kind in the nation to receive such funding this year. It's one of many initiatives Congressman Van Drew has supported in Cumberland County.
"I’m incredibly proud to be part of this historic moment for the Bayshore area in Cumberland County,” said Congressman Van Drew. “After years of tireless effort and dedication, we’re finally breaking ground on a new sewer system that will replace outdated septic systems for local homeowners. This project has been a long time coming, and it’s exciting to see it come to fruition. It represents the hard work of many individuals and the dedication of our local officials and partners. This new sewer system will not only modernize sanitation services but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment for the residents of the area. I’m thrilled to witness this important step forward and am eager to see the positive impact it will have on our community for years to come."
Project Summary: These investments will be used to provide Downe Township joint funding with the State of New Jersey, made up by investments from USDA Rural Development ($21.5 million); NJ Infrastructure Bank ($6.5 million); and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection ($5.5 million). The project includes the construction of a new low-pressure wastewater collection system and package treatment plant. It will also replace individual septic systems in the Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach neighborhoods of Downe Township to eliminate current health and sanitary conditions due to sewage overflows of septic tanks, as well as eliminating potential continued pollution of the Delaware Bay. In total, the project is set to begin in late August 2024 and estimated to be under construction for roughly 18 months.
USDA Rural Development funds projects in New Jersey under the leadership of its state office staff located in Mt. Laurel and is supported by offices located in Hackettstown, Columbus, and Vineland. For more information on programs, visit our state website or follow us on social media(link is external) [twitter.com].
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