Borough of Madison Moves Closer to Federal Funding to Preserve Drew Forest

March 7, 2024 – Madison Borough, NJ – The Borough of Madison continues to work in good faith with the leadership of Drew University to reach a deal to preserve the Drew Forest, an irreplaceable environmental resource in Madison. With the recent passing of the House Appropriations Legislation, we are one step closer to receiving $4,116,279.00 in federal grant funding through Community Project Funding thanks to the joint efforts of Congresswoman Sherrill and Senator Booker.

The Drew Forest Preserve, 51 intact acres with mature trees and glacial ponds on Drew University’s 163-acre campus, is an irreplaceable natural resource because of its unique diversity and features. Providing critical recharge for the Buried Valley Aquifer for 31 municipalities in Morris, Essex, Somerset, and Union counties, the preservation of this forest preserve is a benefit to not only Madison but the region.

We are grateful to see that through the dedication and determination of Congresswoman Sherrill and Senator Booker, crucial federal tax dollars will be brought back to NJ-11 and used to preserve the Drew Forest, a gem right in the middle of Madison.

“I am proud to have led efforts in the House to cut through bureaucratic red tape and secure funding for Community Projects that will have a tangible impact on our district and state by bringing federal resources back to address our most pressing concerns. Conservation of open space, and in particular preserving the Drew Forest, is one of the top issues I hear about from local leaders and constituents. I am proud to be joining bipartisan partners across all levels of government in the effort to permanently protect this critical natural resource, and this Community Project funding is an important component. I want to thank Mayor Conley and his team for their work on behalf of the residents of Madison and Morris County and for submitting this project that will make our communities an even better place to live and protect a local gem,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill.

“After years of working to get to this point, I am grateful to Congresswoman Sherrill and Senator Booker for their work to secure this necessary funding. Madison is fortunate to have Drew University, the University in the Forest, in our community. The preservation of the Drew Forest for future generations is our dream and with this support, we are one step closer to making that dream a reality,” said Mayor Robert H. Conley.

Pending approval from the Senate and signature into law by President Biden, we will have received $9,116,279.00 in federal and county grants towards preserving the Drew Forest. We remain committed to continuing to apply for additional federal, state, and county funding that would assist us in funding our purchase offer for the preservation of the forest.