Jersey City mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey estimates that repairing Jersey City’s water and sewer infrastructure will cost at least $6.35 billion.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Today, I observed crews repairing broken sewer lines on Columbus and Barrow. These emergency fixes are temporary solutions to a systemic issue. Last March, I urged proactive underground utility repairs before conditions worsened,” McGreevey said in a statement.
“While not a trending issue, maintaining our water and sewage infrastructure is essential for safety and the city’s future. Instead of frustration with work crews, we need a sound financial and operational plan, followed by execution.”
Citing both government and private reports, McGreevey continues that approximately 50 percent of the Jersey City water and sewer lines must be replaced.
He suggests covering the expensive costs via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the EPA and FEMA grants, the New Jersey State Infrastructure Bank, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as well as long-term, low-interest loans.
“Jersey City must replace aging sewer and water piping within the next decade. Delays will increase emergency repair costs and negatively impact residents. While Downtown and Journal Square have transformed, we must recognize the strain on our utilities,” McGreevey further stated.
“From 2010 to 2022, Jersey City added 26,000 housing units, with 16,000 more expected from significant developments like Bayfront, Canal Crossing, and One Journal Square. Line breakages—or worse, a collapse—could trigger a public health, economic, and environmental crisis without infrastructure upgrades.”
McGreevey, who came out against a $50 million, 40-year deal between the city and the MUA just before announcing for mayor in late 2023, is running in a field of five in the non-partisan November 4th race.
The other candidates are Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Council President Joyce Watterman, and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali.
EPA and FEMA grants? Is he aware of last year’s election results? Blue cities in blue counties in blue states aren’t getting squat from President Musk and his orange sidekick.
Try again.