HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — Hunterdon County has been awarded an $880,200 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support Phase II of its Hazard Mitigation Flood Warning System, officials announced. The Board of County Commissioners formally accepted the grant during its June 3 meeting, and the project will be incorporated into the county’s 2025 budget.
The funding represents a significant step in the county’s ongoing effort to enhance flood preparedness and better protect residents from severe weather.
“Hunterdon County has faced devastating flooding events that have taken a toll on lives and infrastructure,” said Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. “This FEMA grant enables us to expand our flood warning system, equipping us with real-time alerts that will strengthen emergency response efforts and help reduce future risks.”
The funding was secured through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program, in partnership with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), following concerns raised by the county’s Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management.
The flood warning system initiative is divided into two phases:
-
Phase I partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to collect and analyze rainfall and flood data from the Neshanic River and other key locations. The data supports local and county officials in anticipating flood-related emergencies.
-
Phase II, funded by the newly awarded grant, will focus on infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of floodgate systems at flood-prone sites. One major installation is planned at the intersection of County Route 514 and Reaville Road near the Neshanic River. These gates will close during flood conditions to prevent vehicles from driving through dangerous waters.
“By integrating USGS stream gauges, rainfall sensors, and real-time hydrometric data, Hunterdon County is taking a proactive stance in flood readiness,” Lanza said. “Phase II will further enhance our capabilities and lay the groundwork for future public safety and disaster resilience investments.”
The county’s broader flood mitigation strategy reflects an ongoing commitment to protecting communities and infrastructure in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
