Vol. 3 No. 4 Spring 1996
A Newsletter About New Jersey's Water Quality Programs

The DEP has also adopted a new policy whereby projects, which are a component of approved watershed management plans, will receive an additional 200 bonus ranking points. The additional points will be awarded to qualifying point and nonpoint source projects. The DEP believes this policy will provide an incentive to complete watershed management planning and a means to advance water quality improvements using a watershed approach.

In addition to stormwater/nonpoint source projects, funding through the program continues to be available for the construction of a variety of projects including secondary and advanced wastewater treatment facilities, infiltration and inflow correction, interceptors, pumping stations, force mains, major sewer system rehabilitation, new collection systems and correction of combined sewer overflows. Allowances for planning and design are also available.

Financing is provided from two sources, the DEP-administered Wastewater Treatment Fund (the Fund) and the Trust. The Fund provides loans at zero percent interest for 20 years for one half of the allowable project costs. The Trust offers loans at approximately the market rate for the remaining allowable project costs, also for a 20-year term. Between these two funding sources, the overall rate on loans is generally less than half the market rate obtainable by a local government unit.

Projects are evaluated and point scores are assigned in accordance with the ranking criteria of the Federal Priority System which is developed each year by the DEP. Projects are certified for funding based on list rank, the amount of available funds, and compliance with the department requirements and deadlines for planning, design, and application.

By March 29, 1996, local government units listed or eligible for listing on the Proposed Federal Fiscal Year 1997 Project Priority List should advise the Assistant Director, Municipal Wastewater Assistance Program, of an interest in the FFY97/SFY98 funding cycle. In addition, project sponsors must meet established deadlines for planning, design, and application which are April 26, 1996, November 1, 1996, and March 3, 1997, respectively. All requests for funding consideration must be in writing, with copies to the Administrator, Permit Information and Assistance, and to the Executive Director, New Jersey Wastewater Treatment Trust.

A public hearing on the Proposed FFY97 Priority System, Intended Use Plan and Project Priority List will be held on March 26, 1996, in the Large Conference Room at the Municipal Wastewater Assistance Program offices, 1333 Brunswick Avenue, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or to the end of testimony, whichever is sooner.

For more information, please contact Theresa Fenton, chief, or Scott Shymon of the Bureau of Program Development and Technical Services at (609) 292-3859.