Executive Director David E. Zimmer, CFA
Moorestown Township recently completed drinking water improvements that are being financed with approximately $20 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the DEP and the NJ I-Bank. Total savings to Moorestown for this project are estimated to be $4,686,308 over the 30-year term of the loan or 24% of the total project cost. This project also created an estimated 237 direct construction jobs. In addition, by using funds made available from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (“WIFIA”) to make the loan, the Water Bank saved $10,430,200 in State revolving funds that are now available to finance additional projects which would otherwise not receive funding from the Water Bank.
The project loan enabled the Township to rehabilitate and upgrade its 2.88 million gallon/day water treatment plant. The scope of work included new filters for the removal of radium and other trace elements, and greensand pressure filters for removal of manganese. An advanced oxidation system using ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide was installed to remove ground water carcinogens, and activated carbon filters were installed to remove other groundwater pollutants. The project also included the modification of a building for chemical feed equipment.
Nicole Gillespie, Mayor of Moorestown Township stressed the need for the project. “This project has beneficial consequences for the financial and physical health of the Township. Most importantly, we’re dedicated to maintaining a clean and efficient water supply for the health of our community. We were one of the first municipalities to take advantage of WIFIA funding, strategized by the Water Bank to benefit our ratepayers and other communities in need of safe drinking water.”
This project was designed by the Alaimo Group and constructed by Thomas P. Carney, Inc. The benefits of this project were recognized by the NJ Society of Municipal Engineers, who awarded the Alaimo Group a Project of the Year Award.