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NJ gets $72M to build flood-resilient projects [NJ Spotlight]

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NJ gets $72M to build flood-resilient projects [NJ Spotlight]

New Jersey will receive $72 million from a federal grant funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, part of a nationwide $575 million allocation for flood prevention work. The funds will help build flood-resilient structures such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements to tackle flooding and urban heat. Perth Amboy’s waterfront, previously devastated by Superstorm Sandy, was rebuilt with federal aid, highlighting the importance of such funding. The grant will enable the implementation of projects planned after Superstorm Sandy that lacked funding, turning community-based planning into actionable projects. This initiative aims to protect coastal communities, promote environmental stewardship, and ensure a safer future for the next generation.

Full story on NJ Spotlight: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/video/nj-gets-72m-to-build-flood-resilient-projects/

NJ Water Bank Surpasses $1B Water Infrastructure Milestone in FY24 [New Jersey Business Magazine]

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NJ Water Bank Surpasses $1B Water Infrastructure Milestone in FY24 [New Jersey Business Magazine]

The New Jersey Water Bank, a joint venture between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in project financing for the first time in Fiscal Year 2024. This achievement underscores the state’s commitment to improving water infrastructure and ensuring the health and safety of its residents.

In the fiscal year 2024, the Water Bank provided financing for a total of 147 projects. This includes 116 clean water projects, which encompass wastewater and stormwater treatment, with a total funding of $838 million. Additionally, the bank financed 31 drinking water projects, amounting to $240 million. These projects are critical in maintaining the state’s water infrastructure and ensuring the provision of clean and safe water to its residents.

The funds have been utilized for a variety of essential projects across the state. These include the replacement of lead and galvanized service lines, installation of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) treatment systems, mitigation of stormwater discharges, addressing combined sewer overflows, upgrading wastewater treatment facilities, reducing flooding, and more. Each of these projects plays a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment.

The announcement of this milestone was made during a news conference in Irvington where New Jersey American Water has been using more than $48 million in Water Bank financing to replace approximately 5,000 lead and galvanized residential service lines. This project is a prime example of how the Water Bank’s financing is being put to use to improve water infrastructure and safeguard public health.

This achievement by the New Jersey Water Bank is a testament to the high level of commitment that local governments and water systems are making to protect public health and the environment. It highlights the importance of investing in water infrastructure and the positive impact such investments can have on communities.

The surpassing of the $1 billion mark in project financing is not just a milestone for the New Jersey Water Bank, but also for the residents of New Jersey. It represents a significant step forward in ensuring the provision of clean, safe water for all, and in protecting the environment for future generations. The New Jersey Water Bank continues to work towards its mission of providing cost-effective financing for the improvement of water quality, a mission that is vital for the health and well-being of all New Jersey residents.

NJ Water Bank Surpasses $1B Water Infrastructure Milestone in FY24

NJDEP COMMISSIONER LATOURETTE, EPA ADMINISTRATOR GARCIA AND I-BANK OFFICIALS MARK BILLION-DOLLAR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE MILESTONE

Three Mile Island was the site of the country’s worst nuclear disaster. Now AI energy demands might turn it back on [Fast Company]

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Three Mile Island was the site of the country’s worst nuclear disaster. Now AI energy demands might turn it back on [Fast Company]

Here are the key points from this Fast Company article:

Constellation Energy is considering restarting the Unit 1 reactor at Three Mile Island, which has been dormant since 2019. The decision is still pending due to various economic, commercial, operational, and regulatory considerations.

The growing power demands of AI data centers are driving interest in restarting decommissioned nuclear plants. The projected growth in power demand has nearly doubled, highlighting the strain on the U.S. electric grid.

Besides Three Mile Island, other nuclear plants like the Palisades in Michigan and a plant in Iowa are also being considered for restart. Several states have lifted moratoriums on new nuclear plants to meet energy needs.

Safety advocates worry about potential pressure on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to overlook safety issues in the rush to meet energy demands. The lifespan of nuclear reactors can be extended with updates, but safety remains a critical concern.

Read the Fast Company story here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/three-mile-island-was-the-site-of-the-country-s-worst-nuclear-disaster-now-ai-energy-demands-might-turn-it-back-on/ar-BB1pPSx7

Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program [New Jersey Turnpike Authority]

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Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program [New Jersey Turnpike Authority]

The video discusses the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvement project, aiming to address traffic congestion and infrastructure issues. Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy and former Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, explains the project’s goals and dispels myths. The project will add capacity between interchanges 14 and 14A to relieve congestion and accommodate future demand. It is not an on-ramp to the Holland Tunnel, as 80% of eastbound traffic heads elsewhere. The project will not significantly impact air quality and is funded through toll revenue, not tax dollars. Existing bridges, unable to handle current truck volumes, will be replaced. The $10.7 billion project includes $1.42 billion for highway widening and the rest for bridge replacement. The new structures will meet modern standards, enhancing safety and resilience. Gutierrez-Scaccetti emphasizes that New Jersey needs both highways and transit, and this project is crucial for maintaining the connection between Hudson County and the New Jersey Turnpike.

Highlights:

  • Introduction and purpose
    • Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti introduces the project
    • Aims to dispel myths about the project
    • Addresses traffic congestion and infrastructure issues
  • Project details
    • Adds capacity between interchanges 14 and 14A
    • Relieves congestion and accommodates future demand
    • Not an on-ramp to the Holland Tunnel
  • Environmental and funding aspects
    • No significant impact on air quality
    • Funded through toll revenue, not tax dollars
    • Existing bridges to be replaced
  • Financial breakdown
    • $10.7 billion total project cost
    • $1.42 billion for highway widening
    • Remaining funds for bridge replacement
  • Safety and resilience
    • New structures meet modern standards
    • Enhances safety and resilience
    • Crucial for maintaining key connections

Hochul visits Orange County; commits to NY-17/I-86 conversion [Mid Hudson News]

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Hochul visits Orange County; commits to NY-17/I-86 conversion [Mid Hudson News]

New York Governor Kathy Hochul visited the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 Training Center in Orange County to observe their training programs and affirm her commitment to union labor and infrastructure projects. She highlighted the critical role of labor unions in building New York’s infrastructure and shared her personal connection to the labor movement through her family’s history.

Hochul tried the Training Center’s virtual crane simulator and tried her hand at operating an excavator, showcasing the advanced training tools used by the union. Hochul emphasized the importance of projects like the Champlain Hudson Power Express, the new Buffalo Stadium, and the Gateway Tunnel. She also mentioned the ongoing work on Route 17, which is crucial for connecting communities and enhancing economic opportunities.

Greg Lalevee, business manager of IUOE Local 825, praised Hochul for her dedication to creating construction jobs and supporting major infrastructure projects. He highlighted her efforts in the Route 17 Mobility and Access Improvement Project, which aims to convert the corridor to Interstate 86. Hochul stressed that these projects are about unleashing potential and creating opportunities for current and future generations, reinforcing the power and dignity of the union movement in New York.

Full story here: https://midhudsonnews.com/2024/07/11/hochul-visits-orange-county-commits-to-ny-17-i-86-conversion/

AI’s Energy Demands Are Out of Control. Welcome to the Internet’s Hyper-Consumption Era [Wired]

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AI’s Energy Demands Are Out of Control. Welcome to the Internet’s Hyper-Consumption Era [Wired]

RIGHT NOW, GENERATIVE artificial intelligence is impossible to ignore online. An AI-generated summary may randomly appear at the top of the results whenever you do a Google search. Or you might be prompted to try Meta’s AI toolwhile browsing Facebook. And that ever-present sparkle emoji continues to haunt my dreams.

This rush to add AI to as many online interactions as possible can be traced back to OpenAI’s boundary-pushing release of ChatGPT late in 2022. Silicon Valley soon became obsessed with generative AI, and nearly two years later, AI tools powered by large language models permeate the online user experience.

One unfortunate side effect of this proliferation is that the computing processes required to run generative AI systems are much more resource intensive. This has led to the arrival of the internet’s hyper-consumption era, a period defined by the spread of a new kind of computing that demands excessive amounts of electricity and water to build as well as operate.

Read more

From Trails to Turnpikes: A Brief History of the Early Roads of New Jersey [Morris County Historical Society]

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From Trails to Turnpikes: A Brief History of the Early Roads of New Jersey [Morris County Historical Society]

From the Morris County (NJ) Historical Society:

Follow along with the winding history of early roads in New Jersey in this week’s vlog. With the first routes being converted from Native American trails, road-building experienced a boom during the Turnpike Era of the 19th century. Replaced by the Morris Canal as the fastest means of transportation in the area, local turnpikes were mostly abandoned by 1829, but not before leaving their mark on the landscape.

New Jersey awarded $123.1M from bipartisan infrastructure law to replace toxic lead water lines [ROI-NJ]

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New Jersey awarded $123.1M from bipartisan infrastructure law to replace toxic lead water lines [ROI-NJ]

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. announced $123.11 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace toxic lead service lines in New Jersey. This funding is part of a broader $157 million allocation to upgrade water infrastructure, address PFAS contamination, and improve stormwater management.

From ROI-NJ (link https://www.roi-nj.com/2024/05/07/industry/energy-utilities/new-jersey-awarded-123-1m-from-bipartisa…)

Cargo conundrum: Port of NY/NJ is capable of handling huge increase in volume — but is New Jersey? [ROI-NJ]

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Cargo conundrum: Port of NY/NJ is capable of handling huge increase in volume — but is New Jersey? [ROI-NJ]

Beth Rooney, port director at the Port of New York & New Jersey, spoke with ROI-NJ’s Tom Bergeron at the New Jersey International Trade Awards. Rooney highlighted the resilience and capacity of the Port of NY/NJ to handle additional cargo following the collision of a cargo ship with the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the Port of Baltimore, and how the Port of NY/NJ handled the pandemic surge.

Rooney emphasized the need for the entire shipping ecosystem to adapt to increased volumes, including extending operational hours and expanding warehouse capacity. The port’s proactive approach includes working with various stakeholders through the Council on Port Performance, a unique collaborative forum that proved invaluable during the pandemic.

Rooney stressed that while the port can handle increased cargo, the broader ecosystem must also evolve to prevent economic losses and maintain the port’s significant contribution to the regional economy.

Full story on ROI-NJ: https://www.roi-nj.com/2024/05/16/industry/logistics/cargo-conundrum-port-of-ny-nj-is-capable-of-han…

New Jersey’s Portal North Bridge Marks Milestone [NJ Biz]

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New Jersey’s Portal North Bridge Marks Milestone [NJ Biz]

NJ Biz is reporting the following update of the Portal North Bridge, a key part of the Gateway Program:

**Funding for Lead Pipe Replacement**: New Jersey will receive $123.11 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace toxic lead service lines.

**EPA’s Role**: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing this funding through its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

**Congressional Support**: U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. emphasized the importance of safe drinking water and highlighted his efforts to secure this funding.

**Additional Infrastructure Upgrades**: In February, the EPA announced $157 million for New Jersey to address water infrastructure issues, including PFAS contamination and stormwater management.

From NJ Biz (link https://njbiz.com/portal-north-bridge-marks-construction-milestone/)

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