HOBOKEN – The new wet weather pump expected to help solve Hoboken’s centuries-long flooding problem was officially dedicated on Monday afternoon on Observer Highway near Washington Street.
The $18 million pump, financed by the North Hudson Sewerage Authority and a $5 million federal grant, is designed to primarily alleviate flooding in southwest Hoboken, and should also have a mitigating effect on other often flooded areas of the city. The pump will treat the water from the sewer system when flooding occurs, filtering it, and then push it out into the Hudson River.
The actual pump is underground, and the building visible on Observer Highway contains the electrical equipment necessary to run the pump.
The NHSA operates the sewer systems in Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken and West New York, and they worked with local officials to complete the pump.
“Because we all worked together in a professional and business like manner, we’ve arrived at our celebration today,” said Dr. Richard Wolff, the chairman of the NHSA. “[This is] one very significant step toward improving the quality of life for so many of our ratepayers and residents in the city of Hoboken.”
Originally, plans called for four pumps throughout the city, but Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said that it appears it won’t be necessary to build all four pumps. The newly constructed pump downtown will be able to pump 100 million gallons of water per day, officials said.
Wolff said in an interview with The Reporter earlier this month that the NHSA will now observe the impact of the downtown pump before deciding their next steps.
“We still have work ahead, but today is a great day in the city of Hoboken,” Zimmer said.
Wolff also read a statement from Sen. Robert Menendez (D – NJ), who helped secure funds for the pump. The statement said that as a Hoboken resident, Menendez understands the problems of flooding in the city, and was excited to see funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act be used in Hoboken.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner also spoke at the ceremony, representing Rep. Albio Sires (D – NJ), who, along with Menedez, helped secure the federal funding.
Check out photos from the event. – Ray Smith
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