Congresswoman Pou and Senator Kim Deliver $1.2 Million to Fight Flooding in Passaic County

PATERSON, NJ - Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today joined Passaic County officials at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park to celebrate $1.2 million in federal money she secured with U.S. Senator Andy Kim to improve stormwater management along River Street in Paterson.

Passaic County Commissioners Orlando Cruz and Nick Veliky attended the event, along with Leonardo Fuentes, North Jersey Regional Director for Senator Kim.

The funding stems from requests from Passaic County to Pou and Kim's offices. The requests were combined during the competitive FY2026 congressional appropriations process into a single $1.2 million award for the county.

"There could hardly be a more fitting place to celebrate this funding than at the Great Falls. Water helped build Paterson and our nation more than two centuries ago, but today we also know the damage it can cause when heavy rain overwhelms our streets and drainage systems," said Congresswoman Pou. "Instead of waiting for the next storm, we are preparing for it. I am proud Senator Kim and I worked together to bring this federal money home. New Jersey gets the best results when our delegation works together as a team."

"As North Jersey continues to be hit with life-threatening storms and increasingly dangerous floods, this $1.2 million investment will help the Paterson community make needed repairs to River Street to fortify their resilience efforts," said Senator Andy Kim. "It takes partnership at all levels to deliver for our constituents, and I'm grateful that Rep. Pou and I were able to secure this funding to help Paterson stay safe."

Flooding is a familiar threat across North Jersey, and especially in the Passaic River Basin. Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm older drainage systems, sending water into streets and threatening homes. For residents who live in flood-prone areas, these are constant concerns. A single severe storm can cause enormous damage and leave families dealing with the effects long after the water recedes. Stormwater systems like the one this money will help fund carry water away when severe weather hits.

Congresswoman Pou has made water infrastructure a major focus of her first term in Congress and serves on the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

In response to a ruptured pipe that cut off water to four Passaic County communities last summer, Pou introduced the Water Crisis Prevention Act to help identify areas at risk of water crises and get federal aid to communities faster. Pou's bill would also improve access to federal relief for states, towns, businesses, and residents affected by water emergencies.

The $1.2 million Passaic County award is part of Pou's broader effort to bring federal resources directly back to New Jersey's Ninth District. In her first term, Pou has already delivered more than $24 million in federal money for local projects across the district, supporting work identified by the communities themselves.

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