Following the latest devastating floods that hit North Jersey in March, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8) today announced a House panel has recommended that more than $1.1 million to aid Passaic River and Peckman River flood management programs included in the House Energy and Water Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2011.

 “Even in the midst of a heat wave, the residents affected by the flooding Passaic and Peckman Rivers last March haven’t forgotten what they’ve endured. Neither have I,” said Pascrell, who regularly toured flooded areas and homes following the March 12 nor’easter. “This legislation will help the residents near the Peckman River reach a huge milestone by allowing the flood management study to reach its conclusion. It will also provide more funding to continue the voluntary buyouts that have helped people relocate out of harm’s way and restart their lives.”

The appropriations included in the legislation are:

• $620,000 for the completion of a study to manage flooding along the Peckman River. Rep. Pascrell initiated the Peckman River study in 2000. Since then, he has secured millions of dollars for the effort. This appropriation, which is the maximum that could be requested for the next fiscal year, would allow the study to be completed – a significant step in providing relief for residents who live along the Peckman River’s banks.

• $500,000 for the Passaic River Basin Flood Management project. The Passaic River Basin Flood Management project is U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) program that involves the acquisition and removal of homes that are subject to frequent flood damage and are located within the state-defined floodway. Government purchasing of flood-prone properties in Passaic County began after a September 2005 public meeting at which residents indicated an interest in voluntarily selling their properties in the flood plain.  Since then, Rep. Pascrell has secured nearly $8 million for property buyouts. This appropriation is the maximum that could be requested for the next fiscal year.

The annual Energy and Water Appropriations bill provides funding for projects under the jurisdiction of the Energy Department, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation and several independent agencies.

The bill was released by the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Water on July 15, 2010.  The equivalent committee in the U.S. Senate is scheduled to release its version of the bill soon.

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