Montville to Apply for Flood Mitigation Grant

is hoping to team up with several surrounding municipalities to jointly submit a grant application to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for flood mitigation.

Township Administrator Victor Canning reported at the May 8 township committee meeting that he has been in touch with June Hercek, executive director of the Rockaway River Watershed Cabinet, about applying for the $350,000 grant.

"What we're trying to do is join together the surrounding communities to see if the state DEP will also give us some money to help do de-snagging along our waters and streams and tributaries," Canning said.

In a letter to the township on March 12, Hercek said de-snagging the township's waterways could help alleviate future flooding in areas where trees and debris have fallen into the water, causing obstructions. In 2011, $350,000 was awarded through the same grant to Wayne, Pequannock, Riverdale and Pompton Lakes for de-snagging.

In the township's application, photos and locations of trees and obstructions, as well as the costs to remove them, must be provided. Hercek said that she believes the DEP would look favorably upon an application that includes multiple municipalities if cost savings can be shown by working together.

Canning said he has indicated the township's interest in applying for the grant, for which the application would be facilitated by the Rockaway River Watershed Cabinet, as he is aware of the township committee's interest in pursuing measures that would prevent future flooding.

"You all have been concerned about taking proactive measures to hopefully avoid any future flood problems, if this can help," he said.

Canning will be setting up a meeting with Hercek to discuss the grant further.