http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2007/1205/Front_Page/008.html

$1.1M for flood projects


MIDDLETOWN - The township's efforts to secure funding to help with flood mitigation projects in Leonardo received a large boost. A $1.1 million boost.

In November, $1.1 million in federal funds was authorized for the Leonardo Drainage Improvement Project as part of the federal Water Resources Development Act. The bill was enacted after members of Congress decided to override President George W. Bush's veto of the plan.

At Middletown's request, Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Robert Menendez (DN. J.) and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6) included the authorization of the $1.1 million in funding for the project in the bill, which became law last month.

"Authorization of this project is tremendous news for Middletown," Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger said in a press release. "The support we have gotten from Congressman Pallone and Senators Lautenberg and Menendez for this project, and others, has been incredible."

Pallone has been working with Middletown for over 10 years on the issue.

In January, the Township Committee adopted a resolution approving a contract with a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm, Marlowe & Co., to help secure federal funding for stalled flood control projects in Leonardo.

Marlowe & Co. has been in existence for over 20 years and has experience in the areas of water resources, economic development, surface transportation, environmental preservation and aviation. According to the company's Web site, the firm considers beach renourishment projects one of its specialties.

"Once this authorization is appropriated, it will represent an incredible 2,000 percent return on our investment in a contract with Marlowe and Co., a consulting firm hired this year to give Middletown a stronger voice in Washington, D.C.," Township Administrator Robert Czech said in a press release earlier this week. "By having Marlowe and Co. work with our congressional and Senate representatives, the township has enhanced its ability to navigate the lengthy, cumbersome federal appropriations process."

According to Czech, who has since left the township post to become county administrator, the funds would largely defray the cost of vital storm sewer improvements. The project includes upgrades to the stormwater drainage system that empties into the Raritan Bay.

In 2006, the Township Committee funded relevant design and permit application.

Now the final step is to have the authorization appropriated into the Oct. 10, 2008, federal budget cycle, according to Czech.

"It is very good news that Middletown has been successful in securing an authorization for the Leonardo Drainage Improvement Project within one federal budget cycle," Scharfenberger said. "With the help of our congressional delegation, we hope to see subsequent federal authorizations for the Army Corps of Engineers flood control project in Port Monmouth as well as beach replenishment projects in Port Monmouth and Leonardo following close behind."

The $1.1 million is something that Scharfenberger says is important for the Leonardo area, which in the past has seen streets flooded due to heavy rain.

Driving rain in Leonardo has caused major flooding with houses in the area having to be vacated in the past.

Scharfenberger hopes that the federal funds will help alleviate those problems.

"With these federal funds, we will be able to provide sorely needed relief to residents living in flood-prone areas of Leonardo at minimal cost to local taxpayers," he said. 

 
 

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