Legislators OK Funds to Dredge Passaic River Basin

The state Assembly has re-appropriated $3 million to dredge waterways in the Passaic River Basin.

The Assembly approved legislation Monday that re-appropriates the funds. The monies were made available due to deferrals, cancellations and withdrawals from the Lower Saddle River Project, a federal flood risk study.

Assemblymen Scott Rumana and David Russo (District 40) sponsored the legislation.

The funds will be used to dredge shallow parts of rivers and streams in the basin. Residents have said for years that dredging and de-snagging is a necessary step to alleviating flooding in the basin.

“These shallow areas cannot handle the power generated by the force of the water flow and can be a source of flooding,” Rumana said in a statement. “Dredging and de-snagging key sections of rivers and streams along the Passaic River Basin are excellent preventative measures that will save taxpayers and alleviate some of the anxiety homeowners currently deal with.”

The legislation was approved 78-0. It will now go to Governor Christie, who may approve or veto the legislation.

State Senator Kevin O’Toole (District 40) has sponsored an identical piece of legislation. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee released that legislation in June.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.