MIDDLESEX COUNTY – A partnership of Middlesex County leaders and technical experts have recently announced the launch of Resilient NJ: Raritan River and Bay Communities initiative.

The initiative is led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in connection with Middlesex County, including the towns of Carteret, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, South Amboy, South River and Woodbridge. 

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NJDEP

The project is additionally supported by Arcadis, a global design, engineering and management consulting company based in Zuidas, Amsterdam, Netherlands, that operates in 350 offices across 40 countries.

The goal of the Resilient NJ joint effort is to identify and implement flood risk reduction strategies for the Raritan River and Bay region, which will improve long-term environmental and economic strength.

“We are excited to work with municipal and county leaders in the Resilient NJ regions to identify locally-driven regional solutions to current and future flooding,” said NJ Chief Resilience Officer Dave Rosenblatt. “Strengthening New Jersey against today’s climate threats is an important part of our long-term approach to climate resilience, and we applaud these leaders for their vision and initiative.”

The project team is seeking input, information and suggestions from local residents who wish to highlight their own experiences with flooding and storm events within the Raritan River and Bay area.

With help from local residents, the initiative hopes to better address flooding from coastal storms, high tides, heavy precipitation and overflowing riverbanks. 

Community members who are interested in sharing their experiences or provide recommendation on how to better combat flooding within the local area can contact the team through a variety of channels:

  • Downloading the project’s app for your smartphone: IRYS
  • Visiting the project’s website
  • Engaging on social media @ResilientRRBC
  • Leaving a voicemail at the multilingual project hotline: 732-661-3808
  • Participating in future virtual public meetings and focus groups 

“Anyone who lives or works in New Jersey has been, or knows someone who has been, affected by flooding. The people familiar with this area understand its strengths, limitations, and needs and are uniquely capable of helping identify what neighborhoods and streets are most susceptible to flooding. We are eager for input to make sure this plan effectively and impactfully protects these communities,” said Carly Foster, project manager for Arcadis.

The Resilient NJ: Raritan River and Bay Communities project is expected to be ready for launch in May 2022. The initiative will be conducted in waves to account for public input throughout the entirety of its development. 

Reporter at New Brunswick Today | mthompson@nb.today