Multi-Million Dollar Passaic River De-Snagging Project Awaits Governor's Approval

A bill for a more than $3 million project to de-snag the Passaic River in towns most severely impacted by flooding is awaiting Gov. Chris Christie's signature, according to Passaic Valley Today.

If signed into law, the bill would re-appropriate money from the 2003 bond act for a Lower Saddle River project to assist with de-snagging and dredging, the newspaper reported. Once complete, the efforts would prevent back-up debris from causing flooding in those areas.

Wayne Mayor Christopher Vergaro was particularly pleased with the efforts of state legislators as Wayne has seen severe damage after major storm events after flooding in areas near the river. He told the paper that the municipality is already in the planning stages of applying for funding to benefit from the project.

Last year, the town received $18.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to purchase flood-damaged homes and then more in 2013.