Projects

NJ I-Bank Water Infrastructure News (WIN): The Long Branch Sewerage Authority borrows $4.4 million in Water Bank loans, saving more than the total project costs.

The Long Branch Sewerage Authority (“LBSA”) recently completed a series of capital improvement projects financed with approximately $4.4 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (“I-Bank”). The project qualified for $2 million in principal forgiveness as it meets the program’s clean water affordability criteria. Total estimated savings from the loans, due to principal forgiveness and reduced interest costs, are $4,495,000 over the 30-year loan term. These savings exceed the total project cost compared to traditional financing by the LBSA. In addition, this project generated an estimated 52 direct one-year construction jobs.

The first of three contracts supported by this loan evaluated inflow and infiltration, metered flow, cleaned sewers, conducted television inspection, and rehabilitated or replaced sections of the collection system. Upon completion of the evaluation, a report was prepared documenting findings and recommendations leading to the second and third phases of the project. The second contract involved replacement of 3,850 linear feet of the 14-inch force main at the Hoey Avenue Pump Station. The force main was rerouted to remain within the public right-of-way, along with upgrades to the pump station. The third contract focused on rehabilitating railroad and sewer crossings, based on recommendations from the initial phase of work. Because these crossings are high-risk and harder to fix in the event of a failure, they required a more targeted evaluation and improvements.

“These phased contracts show what’s possible when our sewerage authority invests wisely,” observed John Pallone, Mayor of the City of Long Branch. “By working with the New Jersey Water Bank, the LBSA was able to complete critical sewer upgrades, protect public health, and improve system reliability while saving nearly $4.5 million compared to traditional financing. That is a huge win for our residents and ratepayers, and it allows us to stretch every dollar further without sacrificing quality or environmental protection.”

This project was designed by Colliers Engineering and constructed by Earle Asphalt Company of Farmingdale, NJ, Arold Construction Company, Inc., and A to Z Contractors, Inc.

Pictures courtesy of Colliers Engineering

Published February 17, 2026