NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) announced $120,000 in federal funding to build and rehabilitatewaterand wastewatersystems in Maurice River, Downe, and Woodbine. The funding is awarded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households program (SEARCH).

"These federal resources are great news for rural communities in Cumberland and Cape May," said Senator Menendez. "Important investments like these help us ensure that all New Jerseyans have access to safe, clean and reliable water systems. I applaud this USDA program, and will continue fighting to advance our state's public health and infrastructure for the safety and wellbeing of families and businesses in New Jersey."

"It is vital that we prioritize investments in New Jersey's water infrastructure. I am grateful to the USDA for awarding us with this grant which will allow us to make necessary improvements to our wastewater system to support the health and vitality of those who live and work in the rural communities of Maurice River,Downe, and Woodbine," said Sen. Booker. "I am committed to advocating for more funding that enables us to fortify New Jersey's aging wastewater plants."

ThroughtheUSDA Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant Program (SEARCH), rural communities may obtain fundingfor feasibility studies, design assistance, and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects.

The specific awards are:

  • $30,000 to Township of Maurice River (Leesburg and Dorchester) for a study to evaluate the alternative wastewater disposal systems for the Leesburg and Dorchester area.
  • $30,000 to the Township of Maurice River (Port Elizabeth) for a study to evaluate the alternative wastewater disposal systems for the Port Elizabeth area.
  • $30,000 to the Borough of Woodbine to study options that could potentially remove onsite septic systems serving all the Borough's users including residential, commercial and industrial users.
  • $30,000 to the Downe Township for a feasibility study to assess the possibility of providing public water and sewer in the township.

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