SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. announced $400,000 in federal funding Monday for upgrades to Sparta Township’s White Deer Plaza Pump Station and said he is seeking an additional $850,000 for lead service line replacements.
The $400,000 for the pump station improvements was secured through the fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding process and has been signed into law, according to Kean’s office. The project is intended to improve surface and groundwater quality.
The additional $850,000 sought by Kean is included in House funding legislation for the upcoming fiscal year but has not yet received final approval.
“Strong water infrastructure is essential to keep our communities running,” said Congressman Kean. “That is why I fought to secure these federal funds to support both the pump station upgrades and the lead service line replacements to protect the health and safety of Sparta Township residents by ensuring high-quality water infrastructure for decades to come.”
Kean’s office said the proposed $850,000 would help Sparta replace aging lead service lines and strengthen the township’s drinking water infrastructure.
“Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has been instrumental in securing federal grant funding for Sparta Township pump station improvements and lead service line replacement projects,” said Sparta Township Deputy Mayor Michael Sylvester. “Considering Sparta’s current financial challenges, we are all especially grateful for his continued support in helping Sparta obtain funds for these important projects. These funds will provide meaningful benefits to our community and help ensure that we continue to invest in Sparta’s future.”
Sussex County Commissioner Jack DeGroot also highlighted the potential impact of the funding on the township’s water infrastructure.
“Protecting water quality and public health requires an ongoing commitment and continuous investment. Thanks to Congressman Kean, Sparta is on track to receive over a million dollars in federal funding to upgrade vital infrastructure,” said Sussex County Commissioner Jack DeGroot. “These critical projects will directly improve water quality and protect the health of our residents. We thank Congressman Kean for securing these funds and ensuring Sparta remains a safe, vibrant place to live.”
Sparta Township Councilman Mark Scott also thanked Kean for his efforts to obtain the funding.
“I want to thank Congressman Kean for all his hard work on behalf of Sparta,” said Sparta Township Councilman Mark Scott. “This grant will help Sparta replace and rebuild critical parts of our water system. Congressman Kean has always been a friend of Sparta, Sussex County, and the state of New Jersey.”
Kean’s office said the congressman has secured more than $14.5 million for water infrastructure projects across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District since taking office.
All 15 projects Kean secured through the fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding process, including the White Deer Plaza Pump Station improvements, have been signed into law.
Kean announced in July that 18 additional Community Project Funding requests from his office totaling nearly $17.8 million were included in House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed $850,000 for Sparta’s lead service line project is among those requests.
