WWPT Groundbreaking Press Release
The Press of Atlantic City Press Release: The Press of Atlantic City Press Release for the Fortescue WWTP Groundbreaking Ceremony
USDA Press Release: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-senator-booker-break-ground-33-million-water-project-south-jersey
FINANCING COMPLETED FOR FORTESCUE & GANDY BEACH SEWER PROJECT
Downe Township, New Jersey
Press Release: June 28, 2024
For Additional Information Contact: Mayor Mike Rothman
Cumberland County Commissioner Director, Joseph Sileo
JOINT STATEMENT:
Financing Completed for Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach Sewer Project
Construction to Start in July
Township of Downe, County of Cumberland and State of New Jersey – After more than a decade of planning, the Downe Township Sewer Project is now a reality. The financing through the New Jersey Infrastructure Trust was completed earlier this week, the last step before construction can commence.
“The US Department of Agriculture, our Federal Legislators, the State, and the Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners have been tremendous partners on this project” stated Mayor Mike Rothman. “This project has been planned for years and most people thought it would never happen.” “I am grateful for the efforts of all involved including the members of successive Downe Township Committees, Township Administration and Township professionals as this project could not be brought to fruition without their dedication.”
Since Superstorm Sandy a concerted effort by Federal, State, County and local officials has made this project a reality. The sewer treatment plant will enhance the quality of Downe Township’s waterways, protects the health of its oyster beds and aquatic life, and allows for the redevelopment and revitalization of Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach.
In addition to the $13.7 million in grants and $3.8 million in loans provided from USDA, the project financing includes $5.5 million in grants and $6.6 million in loans from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. Congressional Directed Spending of $4 million was provided as a result of the efforts of U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Jeff Van Drew and with the support of Senator Michael Testa. An additional $2 million in grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation and a $150,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs was also secured. Rutala Associates, a local planning firm, worked with local officials to secure all the funding for this project.
“The Bayshore area is a beautiful, environmentally sensitive area and this system will allow homeowners to abandon old septic systems for a modern sewer system,” noted Mayor Rothman.
Downe Township was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012, and five other coastal storms over a two-year period. Homes and businesses were destroyed, bulkheads breached, and beaches were washed away. Sandy struck at a time when Downe Township was already suffering from a prolonged economic decline. The slide started with the near collapse of the region’s historically successful oyster industry in the 1950s and a more recent decrease in recreational fishing that has been crippling the charter fleet, marinas and small businesses that serve as the backbone of Downe Township.
Despite these setbacks, Downe Township is better placed now than ever before in its history to capitalize on its natural assets and rejuvenate the Township’s economic base.
Since the Township could not afford to fund this sewer system independently, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the State, County and Township demonstrating a true partnership and commitment to build this plant in a timely manner.
Cumberland County Commissioner Director Joseph Sileo stated, “The County is proud to be a partner in this project which will both develop new ratables and address a long-standing environmental concerns.” The total project cost is $35.8 million, and development is planned in two phases. Phase 1 is the Fortescue System including the treatment plan and Phase 2 will serve Gandy’s Beach. Construction will commence next month with completion expected by the Summer of 2026.
MAPLE AVENUE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Maple Avenue in Dividing Creek is closed until further notice.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER
6/24/2024 – Alert: Road Collapse Maple Avenue, Downe TWP
Public Notice
Road Collapse Alert
Attention Residents and Commuters,
We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, a significant portion of Maple Avenue in Downe Township has collapsed. This incident has resulted in severe damage, making the road impassable and posing a serious risk to public safety.
Details of the Incident:
- Location: Maple Avenue, Downe Township, NJ / 39.263856, -75.111182
- Date and Time of Collapse: June 21, 2024, around 4:00 AM
- Extent of Damage: A failed pipe has caused a complete road collapse on Maple Avenue. The road is closed indefinitely.
Immediate Actions Taken:
- Downe Twp OEM and Public Works and Cumberland County Public Works have been on site to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance.
- The affected area has been cordoned off to prevent access.
- Traffic has been diverted to alternative routes to ensure the safety of all commuters.
Alternative Routes:
- Hickman Ave to Turkey Point Road
Safety Instructions:
- Avoid the affected area and follow the detour signs.
- Drive cautiously and be aware of increased traffic on alternative routes.
- Keep updated with the latest information through local news and official channels.
Contact Information:
For further information or assistance, please contact Barbara Young at 856-453-2192 or visit our website at cumberlandcountynj.gov/pw.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the road network. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Kevin Smaniotto
Director of Public Works & Property
County of Cumberland
856-453-2192
6/24/24
Edition #4: October 2024
2024 TerraCycle Program
Click the link below:
ATTENTION
DOWNE TOWNSHIP DOG OWNERS
Dear Residents:
If you own one or more dogs in Downe Township, please know you are required by law to register your dog(s) in the State of New Jersey. If you have not yet registered your dog(s) for 2024, please contact Nicole in the Municipal Building, Monday through Friday, between 9am and 5pm to register. However, please be aware that I am out of the office from 12pm to 1pm usually for lunch and Thursday mornings for inspections.
The dog licenses are valid for a period of one (1) year, from January 1st to December 31st. The dog license registration fee is $7.00 for each spayed or neutered dog. However, if the dog is not spayed or neutered, then the fee is $10.00. Please submit a check or money order and be sure to make it out to the Township of Downe. Dog registrations are due by March 31, 2024. In the event that a registrant fails to register their dog within the appropriate time period, then there is an additional late fee of $5.00 thereafter.
In addition to payment, proper documentation is required for each dog. Specifically, be sure to provide the documentation for each dog’s most recent rabies vaccine and for any spayed/neutered procedures, if applicable. All rabies vaccines must be considered valid for at least 10 months of the year before you can register your dog, so the rabies vaccine expiration date must be Nov. 1, 2024 or later. Though, please note, the Cumberland County Health Department does provide FREE rabies clinics at various location around the county throughout the year. See the link attached below for specific details regarding locations, dates and times.
Any dog registrations must be submitted to Downe Township, Attn: Nicole Marlette, 288 Main Street, Newport, NJ 08345 either via mail, dropbox, or office visit. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely,
Nicole Marlette
Administrative Assistant
Township of Downe
Click the links below for an Application Form or for the 2023 Free Rabies Clinics Flyer:
DOWNE TOWNSHIP DOG OWNERS
Fortescue / Gandys Beach, Downe Twp Wastewater Facility Online Project Notice
Click the link below:
The Homestead Rebate Program
Replaced by: The Anchor Program
Click the link below for more details from the Tax Collector, Jennafer Hernandez:
Sept. 2022 – Tax Collector’s Message regarding Anchor Program
Replaced by: The Anchor Program