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U.S. Congress Authorizes $1.1Million Leonardo Drainage Project       
Written by press release    
Monday, 22 October 2007 

MIDDLETOWN, NJ - Thanks to an escalated effort to secure federal funds for flood control projects, Congress has taken the first steps in funding the $1.1 million Leonardo Drainage Improvement Project by authorizing the project in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), announced Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger.

 

"Authorization of this project is tremendous news for Middletown," said Scharfenberger. "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. Once this authorization is appropriated, it will represent an incredible 2,000 percent return on our investment in a contract with Marlowe and Company, a consulting firm hired this year to give Middletown a stronger voice in Washington."

The project authorization was part of the Water Resources Development Act, which was passed by veto-proof majorities in both houses. The federal bill, which authorizes water resources development and conservation projects nationwide, was approved by overwhelming margins of 81-12 in the Senate and 381-40 in the House of Representatives. The bill now makes it way to President George W. Bush for final approval, explained Township Administrator Robert Czech.

The authorized funds would largely defray the cost of vital storm sewer improvements in the Leonardo section of Middletown. The project includes upgrade of an aging stormwater drainage system that empties into the Raritan Bay.  The Township Committee in 2006 funded relevant design and permit application work. The final step will be to have the authorization appropriated in the 10/1/08 federal budget cycle, Czech said. 

Middletown contracted with Marlowe and Company, a Washington, D.C based public affairs consulting firm, in January. "By having Marlowe and Company work with our Congressional and Senate representatives, the Township has enhanced its ability to navigate the lengthy cumbersome, federal appropriations process," Czech said.

"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," said Scharfenberger. "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."
 
Last Updated ( Monday, 22 October 2007 ) 

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