Politics & Government

County, CCMUA Look to Jumpstart Economic Growth With Utility Expansion

The Atlantic Basin Interceptor Project brings two new pumping stations and 25 miles of new sewer lines to Berlin Borough, Berlin Township, Chesilhurst, Pine Hill, Waterford Township and Winslow Township.

The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) and the Camden County Freeholder Board opened a $55 million project that would expand sewer capacity for Berlin Borough, Berlin Township, Chesilhurst, Pine Hill, Waterford Township and Winslow Township on Monday. 

The towns involved in the Atlantic Basin Interceptor Project have seen limited economic growth due to limited sewer availability for new construction.

The project includes two new pumping stations and 25 miles of new sewer lines through the six municipalities. This allows for the issuance of new sewer permits for the first time in several years, which the freeholders say will generate additional revenue, along with connection fees and the influx of additional customers. 

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The project benefits from a $2 million grant from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust Fund, along with a $53 million low interest loan. 

“This project and increase in capacity is the culmination of years of hard work and coordination between the CCMUA, the municipalities and the state,” Freeholder Jeffrey L. Nash, liaison to the CCMUA, said.  “I would like to thank everyone that contributed toward making this a reality.”

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“This expansion will provide these municipalities with the opportunity to attract new ratables to their communities,” Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said.  “It is extremely important for this project to provide the infrastructure that will allow these towns to experience future growth.”

The county will also discontinue use of three antiquated wastewater treatment plants, at Ancora State Psychiatric Hospital and Camden County Technical School and in Winslow Township. Freeholders say this will reduce the CCMUA’s operating costs, and added with the new sewer connection revenue, will offset the the additional debt service of the project. 

“Winslow Township is experiencing a rapid growth in economic development as numerous ratables have already applied for construction permits thanks to this expansion project,” Winslow Mayor Barry Wright said.  “Wendy’s, Panera Bread and CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, are all lined up to open in Winslow.  We are also gaining housing with Taylor Woods a 264 apartment complex with tennis courts, basketball courts, and in-ground pool and community center.”

The expansion will also discontinue the discharge of 2.4 million gallons of less than optimally treated wastewater into the groundwaters of the Pinelands National Reserve, the Mullica River and the Great Egg Harbor River each day.


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