LOWER TOWNSHIP LAUNCHES $7.3 MILLION WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT

VILLAS, N.J. — The Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority is beginning a major upgrade to its water system, focusing first on replacing 136,000 linear feet of water mains in the southwest section of North Cape May. This area is the oldest in the township’s water network. The Township Council approved $7.3 million in bonds July 21 to fund the initial phase of the multi-stage project. Phase one includes water main replacements along Lincoln Boulevard between Bayshore Road and Beach Drive and extends into adjacent neighborhoods from Lincoln to Holmes avenues and Beach Drive to Adriatic Avenue. The funding covers the low construction bid of $6.1 million plus costs for engineering, permitting, construction management, and contingencies. Over the course of four phases, the project will replace water mains, over 2,200 water services, and 273 fire hydrants. North Cape May’s water system was once privately managed, predating the utilities authority. Its infrastructure lacks many modern features such as adequate valves and hydrants, and the mains are installed close to the surface, which increases vulnerability to temperature changes and damage. The replacements will improve water quality and enhance fire protection. Design work is underway for the second phase, though specifics have not yet been finalized. Phase one qualifies for a $1.9 million Environmental Protection Agency Community Grant, with additional funding from the state’s Infrastructure Bank. Construction is scheduled to begin after Labor Day and will be coordinated with township stormwater and paving projects to minimize disruptions by limiting the number of times streets are excavated.