Congresswoman Pou Calls for Faster Federal Aid for New Jersey Flooding

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today used a hearingof the House Water Resources Subcommittee to push leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tasked with flood management to direct greater federal resources to northern New Jersey communities at risk of flooding and specifically to expedite action on a project for the Lower Saddle River which has plodded along for 40 years.

"In our district, the Lower Saddle River basin has faced repeated flooding for decades impacting at least eight cities and towns, including Lodi and Garfield," stated Congresswoman Pou, the only New Jersey representative of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. "In response, Congress authorized the Lower Saddle River Flood Protection Project. Ladies and gentlemen: back in 1986. Now that's almost 40 years. Literally 40 years ago."

In her hearing remarks, Pou also focused on her request for an Army Corps mitigation project to address chronic flooding from the Third River in Clifton. Earlier this year, Pou joined both New Jersey Senators in calling for the Corps to prioritize funding for projects addressing Third River flooding. The New York Harbor and Tributaries Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, designed to prevent devastating losses from hurricanes and super storms, was another issue she highlighted. The Ninth District includes Meadowlands communities severely impacted by Sandy.

Earlier this month, Pou introduced the Water Crisis Prevention Act which will examine funding available to states, localities, Americans, and small businesses, both with and without a formal emergency declaration. It also examines how the federal government can better work with states to identify areas most at risk of crises from infrastructure failures, and how Congress can get funding to these communities faster. The legislation was passed by the full House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

North Jersey communities continue to recover from multiple water main ruptures that blocked access to water for over 200,000 residents of the Ninth District. After the water crisis began, Congresswoman Pou's office instituted a whole-of-government approach, working with local, county, state, and federal leaders to coordinate bringing critical aid to residents and first responders. Immediately after the break, she called on the governor's office to consider an emergency declaration, and the creation of a dedicated hotline for people needing help getting water.

A recording of Congresswoman Pou's remarks today is available here.

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