For Immediate Release Press Contact: Rachel Dawn Davis: 732.923.9788
August 30, 2021
New Jerseyans May Rise Above Flooding with Funding
Daily life has been ravaged in communities grappling after record flooding in China, Germany, the East Coast and, recently, right here in New Jersey. There is a funding mechanism in New Jersey that could help in the aftermath of floods experienced by our most vulnerable communities and help New Jerseyans prepare for future climate induced emergencies. Municipalities across the country are noticeably focused on which critical green infrastructure should be funded and action related planning has been long overdue.
Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) President, Jennifer Coffey[1] recently highlighted the 1700 communities which have already explored stormwater utilities as a means of upgrading their climate emergency response efforts and preventative measures. On August 5th, 2021, Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer, Rachel Dawn Davis, pressed Lee Clark, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Environmental Justice Policy Manager to talk more about the visible trend across the country to make use of stormwater utilities. Having presented on this topic at the Sustainable Red Bank series earlier this year, the duo talked about the exploratory process, such as the one now underway in Red Bank.
The conversation with Lee and Rachel shared on the topic of stormwater management is available for viewing via Waterspirit’s YouTube channel. Lee shared, “We’re seeing the benefits of stormwater utilities already,” adding, “There’s a reason why we’re seeing them pop up all around the country, and it’s because it works. Now is when we need to make New Jersey the next state to adopt. The real question isn’t whether we will. The real question is who going to be the first municipality to adopt it. Who’s going to be the first to cross the finish line and how quickly will the other 564 New Jersey municipalities start?”
Rachel followed up, “That would be the best outcome of this conversation. For that first domino to be pushed and everyone else to follow…in a way that meets the urgency of our climate emergency, especially for the young people today and future generations.” Watch this video to learn more: https://bit.ly/StormwaterMgmtChat2021 Waterspirit and New Jersey League of Conservation Voters are grateful to bring our presentation to wherever you experience flooding and see opportunities for improved stormwater infrastructure.
Waterspirit is a nonprofit center for spiritual ecology, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Founded in 1998, Waterspirit is currently headquartered on occupied Lenni Lenape land in Rumson, New Jersey. Through programs, learning, reflection, and ritual, we help connect to meaningful actions on behalf of water. To learn more or get involved, visit: https://www.waterspirit.org
[1] https://www.nj.com/opinion/2021/08/new-jersey-communities-have-a-tool-to-help-with-flooding-opinion.html