Yesterday, the New Jersey Legislature passed bill A2694/S1073, which will enable local governments to create stormwater utilities to help manage storm-related pollution and flooding. This legislation now goes to Governor Murphy for his consideration.

“Handling stormwater is a complex problem. It requires a multifaceted solution,” said Jane Kenny, Jersey Water Works’ co-chair. “Recognizing the importance of maintaining stormwater infrastructure, and providing the funding to do so, is necessary to prevent flooding from taking an even bigger toll on New Jersey families and businesses. Stormwater utilities are one key way to accomplish this.”

New Jersey’s stormwater management infrastructure, is increasingly not able to handle the volume of stormwater generated by more, and more severe, storms. The resulting flooding frequently leaves New Jersey roads closed, basements filled with water, and businesses having to account for the extra costs associated with damaged products and lost productivity. This bill, if signed, will provide local governments with a new tool to address this problem.

“The passage of this bill provides municipalities, counties, utilities and authorities with a long-needed tool to manage flooding and dirty runoff from rainwater,” said Chris Sturm, New Jersey Future’s managing director for policy and water. “Most importantly, it gives communities a way to access new resources in a fair and equitable manner, and invest in related benefits such as additional green space. We urge the governor to sign it.”
“This is not the only solution to mitigate the adverse impacts of flooding,” said Mark Mauriello, another co-chair of Jersey Water Works. “Enabling local governments to establish stormwater utilities is just one piece of the puzzle for addressing our state’s flooding problems, but it is a critical one, and one that 40 other states are already using successfully.”

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