5-09-2023 2:40pm

Whippany-Passaic Rivers' Flood Mitigation Project Commences with $1.5 Million Federal Grant

The multi-year, multi-phase project will focus on clearing, de-snagging, and stabilizing portions of the Whippany River, Smith Ditch, Pinch Brook, and Black Brook to improve stormwater flow management.

In an effort to address persistent flooding issues in the region, a Whippany-Passaic Rivers' Flood Mitigation Task Force has been established, bringing together six municipalities: East Hanover, Florham Park, Morris Plains, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morristown, and Hanover. The initiative, spearheaded by Hanover, has been made possible through a $1.5 million federal grant administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The multi-year, multi-phase project will focus on clearing, de-snagging, and stabilizing portions of the Whippany River, Smith Ditch, Pinch Brook, and Black Brook. The ultimate goal is to improve stormwater flow management and reduce the risk of flooding during small to mid-sized storms by carrying out necessary stream corridor maintenance. Hanover Township will serve as the Lead Agency in coordinating and overseeing the project on behalf of the five other municipalities under a Shared Services Agreement.

The Flood Mitigation Task Force has held several meetings with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, who played a key role in obtaining the federal grant, the Mayors of the six participating communities, and their professional engineers to develop an action-oriented plan. The most recent meeting took place on May 2, 2023, at the Hanover Municipal Building.

Colliers Engineers & Design has been designated as the Task Force's professional engineering firm to implement the scope of services. On March 30, 2023, Colliers conducted a preliminary site meeting with the USDA to assess field conditions and develop the Phase 1 plan, which involves clearing and de-snagging major blockages.

In June and July, Colliers will perform a detailed drone survey of the project area, followed by the development of plans and specifications. The project is expected to go to competitive bidding in July or August, with the actual work beginning in October 2023.

Mayor Mark Taylor of the Borough of Florham Park, along with the other municipal leaders, is optimistic that the project will provide long-term benefits to the communities affected by persistent flooding, protecting property and ensuring the safety of their residents.