DOHERTY DAM RESTORATION FUNDING BILL SIGNED INTO LAW; SAYS VOTERS SHOULD DECIDE IF THEY WANT TO USE MONIES

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Doherty that makes available funding for two dam restoration projects, including the Lake Solitude Dam in Hunterdon County, was signed into law Monday by the governor.

The bill, A-1941, appropriates $7 million from monies made available through the Dam Restoration and Clean Water Trust Fund. Projects eligible to receive funding are the historic Lake Solitude Dam in High Bridge, Hunterdon County - $5,600,000, and Point View Reservoir Dam in Passaic County - $1,300,000.

“This new legislation will ensure that funding is available to the residents of High Bridge if they choose to deal with Lake Solitude dam issues,” said Doherty, R-Warren and Hunterdon. “There isn’t anything in the bill that requires borough officials to accept the bonding. It’s optional and should be decided by the voters.”

Doherty added that the new law is consistent with another bipartisan bill he has sponsored, A-1880, which would require county and municipal governments to seek voter approval before issuing general obligation debt that will have to be repaid by local property taxpayers. The 23rd Legislative District lawmaker continues to actively seek action on the legislation.

Doherty noted that the dam restoration funding bill is an exemplary model of how state government programs should operate since funding will be provided through repayments from loans from previous restoration projects.

The Lake Solitude Dam is known for its civil engineering design and its role in the expansion of the Taylor-Wharton ironworks, which is located downstream. Both the dam and the 35-acre lake are eligible for listing in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.

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