Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Lanza calls upon NJ Water Supply Authority to reopen County Road 629 sooner than Dec. 1
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Last week the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) announced that it intends to temporarily reopen County Road 629 as construction continues at the Round Valley Reservoir.
This follows a recent letter that was send by Commissioner Director John E. Lanza requesting that the NJWSA study an immediate reopening of the roadway as construction at the reservoir continues.
While the announcement of the pending reopening of County Road 629 is a win for Hunterdon County residents who have had their lives altered for many months, waiting until December means more residents will endure delayed response times from first responders during medical events.
In response to the recent news, Commissioner Director John E. Lanza sent a follow-up letter to NJWSA that said, “The ongoing closure of County Road 629 continues to be a matter of great concern for nearby residents. One of the items of greatest concern continues to be delayed emergency response time as a result of the closed roadway.”
Lanza also touched upon the possibility of the NJWSA seeking a long-term closure of County Road 629 due to security concerns. While no request to close the roadway has been made to date, Lanza reiterated the importance of the NJWSA exploring alternatives to a long-term closure of the roadway.
Lanza’s letter said, “Without careful analysis of alternative security enhancements, the Commissioner Board will be skeptical of any request the NJWSA advances.”
Lanza also offered the assistance of the Hunterdon County Office of Emergency Management to help the NJWSA find grants that may help to enhance security at the Round Valley Reservoir.
The Hunterdon County Commissioner Board continues to be actively engaged on this issue and calls upon the NJWSA to be transparent and maintain active communication with local governments, first responders, and nearby residents as they continue to study security enhancements at the reservoir.
