After more than a decade of planning, financing for the Downe Township Sewer Project (through the New Jersey Infrastructure Trust) was recently completed. Total project cost is $35.8 million. Construction will commence this month with completion expected by the summer of 2026.
Downe Township was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012, and five other coastal storms over a two-year period. Homes and businesses were destroyed, bulkheads breach and beaches were washed away. Since then, a concerted effort by federal, state, county and local officials has made this project a reality. The sewer treatment plant will enhance the quality of Downe Township’s waterways, protect the health of its oyster beds and aquatic life, and allow for the redevelopment and revitalization of Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach.
In addition to the $13.7 million in grants and $3.8 million in loans provided from USDA, the project financing includes $5.5 million in grants and $6.6 million in loans from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. Congressional Directed Spending of $4 million was provided, and an additional $2 million in grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation and a $150,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs was also secured. Rutala Associates, a local planning firm, worked with local officials to secure all the funding for this project.
“This system will allow homeowners to abandon old septic systems for a modern sewer system,” noted Mayor Rothman.
Cumberland County Commissioner Director Joseph Sileo stated, “The County is proud to be a partner in this project which will bring new ratables and address a long-standing environmental issue.”
