PHOTOS: Whippany River Desnagging Project Begins!
HANOVER, NJ — This week, work started to clear and desnag blockages along the Whippany River using millions of dollars in federal Community Project funding secured by Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). This project will help address erosion and river conditions that have exacerbated flooding during storms and have impacted residents and businesses. Rep. Sherrill has worked alongside the Whippany River Strike Force for years to advance this project and secure federal funding.
“Here in New Jersey, we know the impact of flooding all too well, which is why I have worked hard to bring back our tax dollars for flood prevention projects. I am so excited that work has finally begun to clear and desnag the Whippany River, an important initial step to protect Morris County towns and residents,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I want to thank the Whippany River Strike Force mayors and the USDA for their perseverance and dedication to bringing this project home, and I look forward to continuing to work together to address flooding in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.”
The Whippany River Strike Force is a shared service focused on flood mitigation and includes Mayors and local elected leaders in Hanover Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Morristown, Morris Township, Morris Plains, and Parsippany. Sherrill has worked with the group to secure over $2 million in federal funding for the Whippany River Improvement Project, which will clear and desnag specific problem areas of the Whippany River to prevent further erosion and improve the flow and capacity of the river.
Since first taking office, Sherrill has brought back nearly $160 million in federal funding for flood prevention and infrastructure improvements across New Jersey’s 11th District – including for construction in the Peckman River, and for new storm drains in South Orange and Maplewood. Additionally, Rep. Sherrill led efforts to pass the FLOODs and PRECIP Acts, legislation that would improve extreme weather forecasting and help states and municipalities better communicate in advance of widespread flood events.
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