Camden County’s $400 Million Initiative Aims To Reduce Flooding And Clean-up Waterways

By: Sarah Shockey (South Jersey Climate News)

In July, heavy rains caused severe flooding in Camden, closing roadways, stranding drivers, and damaging homes and businesses.

It also overwhelmed the combined sewer and stormwater systems, which spilled sewage into rivers and waterways, an occurrence that happens on average 76 days a year.

To address on-going flooding problems, Camden County is looking to raise $400 million for infrastructure projects through a voter approved tax. Officials say the increase would generate:

• $200 million to reduce combined sewer overflow
• $50 million to repair and replace leaking sewer systems
• $75 million for dredging
• $50 million to clean recreational lakes
• $25 million for green infrastructure like rain gardens

“The restoration of our waterways is essential to aid with the management of stormwater and preservation of our natural environment,” Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen said in a statement. “Not only is this important for the short term, but for future generations.”

A increase is being considered as part of the Camden County Board of Commissioners plan, which would raise the Open Space Tax and Water Quality Tax from $.02 to $.03 and create a dedicated funding source for long-term environmental restoration. The increase will be on the ballot in November.

The increase would still keep Camden County’s rates lower than that of nearby counties. Neighboring Burlington and Gloucester counties have an Open Tax rate of $.04.

Officials said the increase is desperately needed, but that they are also keeping in mind the increased cost of living.

“[We] understand the importance of balancing environmental investment with the financial pressures facing our residents, and we believe this plan does exactly that while giving us the resources necessary to make lasting and meaningful improvements,” Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority said in a statement.

Many environmental groups applauded the initiative.

“Clean water and accessible parks are fundamental to healthy, thriving communities,” Justin Dennis, New Jersey Program Director at Trust for Public Land said in a statement. “This vision recognizes that restoring Camden County’s waterways is about more than infrastructure – it’s about creating healthier neighborhoods, expanding access to nature and recreation, reducing flooding and water pollution, and ensuring future generations can enjoy these public spaces.”

Maya K. van Rossum of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network said that industries that stand to benefit from the improvements should also be required to help fund them.

“Any request that taxpayers invest in environmental restoration should be complimented by initiatives that secure industry investment,” said van Rossum. “It is essential that the burdens of environmental pollution and degradation not simply be foisted upon the shoulders of New Jersey taxpayers.”

She also called on government officials at all levels to strengthen existing environmental regulations and protections for the waterways.

“Something is wrong when the government looks first to tax New Jerseyans to protect our environment, rather than recognize a healthy environment as a right and ensure a priority duty on all government officials to avoid damaging environmental pollution and degradation in the first place,” said van Rossum.

This story was originally published by South Jersey Climate News through the NJ News Commons.