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Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Supporting a Regional Collaboration, Led by Montgomery Township, for the Preparation of a Watershed Improvement Plan for the Lower Millstone River Watershed
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WHEREAS, Princeton, as well as all municipalities, is required by the 2023 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit to develop a Watershed Improvement Plan (WIP) to reduce flooding, reduce water pollution, meet the pollution reduction goals in Total Maximum Daily Loads, and achieve designated uses for waterways within the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Protection encourages municipalities to interact with their neighboring municipalities and to develop Watershed Improvement Plans on a regional basis; and
WHEREAS, through Resolution 25-94, Princeton Mayor and Council authorized Princeton’s regional participation in the WIP creation for the Stony Brook Watershed; and
WHEREAS, Princeton, through its professionals, has been engaging with the participants of the Lower Millstone River Watershed work group organized by The Watershed Institute and led by Montgomery Township since October 2024, to discuss issues of stormwater management, flooding, and water pollution; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that a regional approach for the Lower Millstone River Watershed will reduce costs in the development and implementation of a Watershed Improvement Plan by facilitating a collaborative effort, as opposed to each municipality conducting the required studies and project development independently; and
WHEREAS, One Water Consulting, LLC, has proposed to develop the WIP for the Lower Millstone River Watershed for a total cost of $254,300, with Princeton’s share to be $8,370.00 (3.29% of the total proposed budget), which is the proportional share calculated in consideration of the following eight participating municipalities:
; and
WHEREAS, the proposed WIP would study the current status of water quality in the Lower Millstone River Watershed and its tributaries; develop a matrix of best management practices (stormwater management systems) to address the water pollution impairments and flooding; and identify potential locations, projects, and costs within the watershed to reduce water pollution and flooding; and
WHEREAS, Montgomery Township is seeking commitments from municipalities within the Lower Millstone River Watershed to participate in the WIP project; and
WHEREAS, the Montgomery Township Mayor and Clerk are authorized and directed by Resolution 25-12-418 to execute an Interlocal Services Agreement with the participating municipalities of the Lower Millstone River Watershed, which participants may include all or some of: Franklin Township, South Brunswick Township, Manville Borough, Princeton, Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, and Rocky Hill Borough; in order to collaboratively contract with One Water Consulting, LLC for the Lower Millstone River Watershed Management Plan for a total amount of $254,300.00; and
WHEREAS, the Montgomery Township Engineer and Open Space and Stewardship Director received notice from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that Montgomery Township’s 2025 Water Quality Restoration Grant application was selected to receive a grant award on a reimbursement basis, potentially funding the entire WIP for all participating municipalities pending execution of a grant agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Princeton Municipal Engineer recommends that Princeton commit to participate in the project with a not to exceed budget of $15,000.00 for the professional services agreement in case one of the participating municipalities fails to approve the contract, thereby increasing the fee due by the remaining municipalities; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Interlocal Services Act, N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et. seq. provides that local units may enter into agreement for joint and/or reciprocal services; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that Princeton has appropriated sufficient funds for these services in account 04-215-24-014-076-335; and
WHEREAS, the term of this contract shall be for twelve (12) months.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of Princeton, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The Mayor and Council support Princeton’s participation with Montgomery Township for the Lower Millstone River Watershed Management Plan with One Water Consulting, LLC.
2. The established budget for this project is not to exceed $15,000.
3. The term of this contract shall be for twelve (12) months.
4. A copy of this Resolution will be kept on file in the Office of the Municipal Clerk.