Woodbridge to Remove Storm Debris from South Branch of Rahway River

Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac (has) announced the start-up of a federally-funded project to clean-up and remove storm-accumulated debris, frag mites and overgrowth along the South Branch of the Rahway River in the Iselin section of Woodbridge.

The project is authorized as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Super Storm Sandy Emergency Recovery Program and is funded through a $38,700 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Joining Mayor McCormac from the South Branch of the Rahway River in Iselin to make the announcement were Woodbridge Municipal Councilman Jim Major, Dennis Henry, Director, Woodbridge Township Department of Public Works and Pat Kenny, Director, Woodbridge Township Office of Emergency Management.  

According to Mayor McCormac, the clean-up of storm debris and overgrowth along the South Branch of the Rahway River will be conducted by the Woodbridge Township Department of Public Works and the Woodbridge Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The Department of Public Works began clean-up and removal of debris from the South Branch after Hurricane Irene and has continued the project after Super Storm Sandy.

“The clean-up along the South Branch has contributed significantly to a decrease in potential flooding and the additional work – which (resumed) on Monday – will continue to have an impact on efforts to decrease flooding from the South Branch,” Mayor McCormac said.  “In the months since Super Storm Sandy, Public Works crews have cleared hundreds of tons of debris from the South Branch of the Rahway River, Woodbridge River, Smith Creek, and surrounding properties. All of these efforts are designed to mitigate/prevent future flooding and damage to residential private property.”

Mayor McCormac also reported that September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and that the Woodbridge Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in-place to respond to any weather emergency or disaster situation as we move into the Hurricane Season.

“We are reminding residents to prepare an emergency plan should federal, state, county, and/or the Woodbridge OEM determine that a storm event will require evacuation or action by the public.  The Township web page – www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us - has posted information from FEMA and the State Office of Emergency Management detailing emergency readiness.  The Township Reverse 9-1-1 system will be implemented if/when emergency directions are required,” McCormac said.  “We want to make sure that every resident is aware of the potential for emergency action and that the Office of Emergency Management is at the ready should we face any type of emergency situation.”

-Woodbridge Township Mayor's Office