Somerset Times

(June 10, 2024) BUDD LAKE, NJ – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented a $600,000 ceremonial check for the Mount Olive Township Stormwater Management project secured by the FY2024 Community Project Funding process. This funding will be used for upgrading the Mount Olive Township Stormwater Management.

The project will include construction and installation of water pollution prevention and abatement features that will enhance stormwater runoff from transportation facilities that discharge to the lake.

“New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation,” said Congressman Kean. “The construction and installation of water pollution prevention and abatement features will enhance stormwater runoff from transportation facilities that discharge to the lake. Management and maintenance like this are necessary for the well-being of Mount Olive residents and all New Jerseyans who depend on Budd Lake for drinking water, and for a fun place to cool off during the summer months. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have and will continue to prioritize storm water management and improving water quality for all New Jerseyans.”

“I want to thank Congressman Kean for his support in securing a $600,000 grant for stormwater management,” said Joe Nicastro, Mayor of Mount Olive. “This grant will help prevent water pollution in Budd Lake, the headwater of the South Branch Raritan River and the largest glacial lake in New Jersey. Congressman Kean's commitment to our environment is evident, and this grant will greatly benefit the residents in many ways.”

"I want to thank Congressman Tom Kean for championing our community's vital needs," said Assemblyman Michael Inganamort. "Budd Lake offers abundant recreation opportunities and generates significant economic activity, making its water quality critically important to Mt. Olive and beyond. We will continue working with Congressman Kean, Mayor Nicastro, and others to safeguard this invaluable environmental resource."

“I want to thank Congressman Kean for this important funding. Morris County is a leader in open space preservation with nearly 18,000 acres protected, providing significant benefits for aquifers, streams, lakes and rivers we all depend upon,” said Commissioner John Krickus.

"We thank Congressman Kean for his commitment to protecting our precious water resources,” said Mara Tippett, Executive Director of Raritan Headwaters Association. “Mt. Olive now has the necessary funding to implement the Budd Lake Restoration Plan and address stormwater runoff at its source. This will ensure Budd Lake and the South Branch Raritan River remain healthy and vibrant resources for generations. The positive impact will ripple throughout the entire Raritan River watershed from the headwaters to the bay."

Congressman Kean secured $24 million in Community Project Funding for fiscal year 2024.

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