Feds appear set to assist watershed restoration

MARLBORO - The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $15 million in a water resources development conference report authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move ahead with small-scale watershed restoration projects, including stream bank restoration in Marlboro.

The report, passed on Aug. 1, reconciles water resources bills that were passed by the House and Senate earlier in the year, according to a press release. The conference report was expected to be approved by the Senate last week and then make its way to President George Bush's desk for approval.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA) authorizes water projects for the Army Corps and is meant to be considered by Congress every two years. While the authorization legislation lists specific funding levels, the Marlboro project must still undergo the annual appropriations process in order to receive the funding included with the WRDA.

According to the press release, congressmen Rush Holt (D-N.J.) and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) requested that the Marlboro watershed restoration project be included in the final report that was developed.

Over recent decades Marlboro has experienced a large growth in population which has resulted in an increase in housing and commercial development, according to the congressmen. The increase in development has been the cause of watershed problems including the water quality, erosion, environmental degradation and flooding.

Marlboro has already developed a management plan for the watersheds, including for the Deep Run Watershed. With this new legislation passing the township will work with the Army Corps to develop and implement a comprehensive watershed management plan to address the problems caused by the increase in development.

In a press release Pallone said, "The House approved critical federal involvement in an innovative plan by Marlboro to address watershed problems that have developed due to a huge population growth over the last two decades. I commend Marlboro for coming up with creative solutions to its watershed problems and I hope we can now move this plan forward with assistance from the federal government."

Holt said, "The House's approval of this legislation is a real and constructive step in helping to preserve water quality in Marlboro and to protect the environment from erosion, flooding and other damage. Marlboro understands that addressing watershed issues is vital for the quality of life of its residents."