New Jersey LCV and New Jersey Future Congratulate Red Bank on Decision to Research Need for Stormwater Utility

TRENTON – The following statement is from Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV and Bree Callahan, New Jersey Future Stormwater Manager, regarding a resolution passed by the Red Bank Borough Council to establish a Stormwater Infrastructure Exploratory Committee to research the potential of pursuing a stormwater trust fund and accompanying fee system to fund green initiative projects and gray infrastructure improvements.

“We congratulate the Red Bank Borough Council on their wise decision to evaluate their stormwater issues and identify ways to protect their community. New Jersey towns throughout the state, including Red Bank, are experiencing extreme flooding due to the increase in stormwater from the recent severe weather events. The reality is that this is our new normal as we continue to suffer from the impacts of climate change. This is what leadership looks like,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “Investing in community-based green infrastructure can help manage stormwater and flooding, and it provides the best way for towns and municipalities to pay for these critical investments.”

“Red Bank’s new Stormwater Trust Exploratory Committee is an exciting step in addressing the current state of the town’s stormwater infrastructure and how it can be improved,” said New Jersey Future Stormwater Manager Brianne Callahan. “The effects of stormwater runoff impact everyone: residents have to deal with flooded homes and increased insurance premiums, businesses must manage property damage and lost profits that come with it, and drivers must navigate alternate routes to avoid closed roads. When stormwater runoff reaches our waterways, it carries debris including lawn chemicals and animal waste—both of which are contributing factors to the harmful algal blooms that have been closing our lakes—as well as the medical waste that has been washing up on our shores. That Red Bank is considering how a stormwater utility can be used to fund essential infrastructure upgrades demonstrates a major commitment to its community’s quality of life, economic development, and environmental health. All New Jersey localities should follow Red Bank’s lead.”

New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to elect environmental champions, hold public officials accountable, and support laws which protect our environment and improve the quality of people’s lives.

New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes sensible and equitable growth, redevelopment, and infrastructure investments to foster healthy, strong, resilient communities; protect natural lands and waterways; increase transportation choices beyond cars; provide access to safe, affordable, and aging-friendly neighborhoods; and fuel a strong economy for everyone.

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