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Morris County leaders, mayors join Whippany River cleanup

Bipartisan Effort Aims to Reduce Flooding and Restore Water Flow

EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Sheriff James Gannon joined U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Hanover Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Assemblyman Brian Bergen, and other local officials in East Hanover Township on Friday to witness progress on the “de-snagging” efforts of the Whippany River. The efforts are part of an ongoing debris cleanup initiative aimed at addressing flooding that has long affected riverside communities.

The initiative, known as the Whippany River Improvement Project, is being led by the Whippany-Passaic River Flood Remediation Task Force, formed by the mayors of towns along the river. The group includes Mayor Gallagher, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

Congresswoman Sherrill secured a federal Community Project grant of over $2 million to fund the project, which is being completed in phases. By removing debris from the river, the flow is improved, capacity is enhanced, and the risk of erosion and flooding is reduced.

“This initiative, three years in the making, highlights the power of partnerships. From local municipalities to federal support, we are collaborating to address persistent flooding issues that have impacted so many residents and businesses,” said Deputy Director Shaw, who serves as the county commissioners’ liaison to the Morris County Flood Mitigation Program.

“I would especially like to thank Mayor Gallagher and Congresswoman Sherrill for their leadership,” Shaw continued. “This project is not just about cleaning a river; it’s about reducing flooding and improving the quality of life for Morris County residents.”

According to Mayor Gallagher, Phase 1 of the project has already removed nearly 275 cubic yards of debris, including trees, railroad ties, shopping carts, and other materials that had accumulated over time and obstructed the river in Hanover Township. Phase 2, which is currently underway behind the auto store at 30 Ridgedale Ave. in East Hanover, aims to clear an additional 200 yards of obstructions. Completion of the initial phases is expected to take 12 to 15 days, with work being carried out by professional contractors.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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