US:Hoboken regional flood protection proposal wins rebuild by design competition

A comprehensive water management project that will protect Hoboken, Weehawken and northern Jersey City has won $230 million of federal funding as part of the Rebuild by Design resiliency competition. This unprecedented level of funding will enable Hoboken and its neighbors to finally solve the flooding problem that has plagued the region for so long.

“I have been advocating for a comprehensive solution to Hoboken’s flooding problems since I first ran for City Council in 2007,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “This project will implement a water management strategy that will comprehensively protect all of our residents, businesses, and the critical assets we share like the PATH, transit stations, and hospital. One of the elements of the plan will use parks as flood protection, creating more open space for our residents to enjoy.”

The comprehensive strategy was developed by an international team of experts led by the firm OMA. The proposal titled “Resist, Delay, Store, Discharge: a Comprehensive Urban Water Strategy” employs a multi-pronged approach to address Hoboken’s historic flooding challenges.

“During Superstorm Sandy, the Shades area in southern Weehawken was severely flooded due to the storm surge which entered near our border with Hoboken,” said Weehawken Mayor Richard F. Turner. “This plan will fully protect the residents of Weehawken and could serve as a national model for regional urban resiliency.”

Mayors Zimmer and Turner expressed their gratitude to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Senior Advisor to Secretary Donovan Henk Ovink, Senator Robert Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, Representative Albio Sires, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and all the members of the Christie Administration who worked to help make this project a reality.

“Over 50 elected officials, agencies, and community organizations, leaders and individuals provided letters of support for the OMA proposal, and on behalf of the City of Hoboken, I would like to say thank you to everyone,” added Mayor Zimmer.

The City of Hoboken will be doing extensive outreach including holding a series of community meetings so residents can provide their input and learn more about this historic opportunity.