VOLUME XVI, NUMBER 5

THE FIRST PIECE OF THE PROJECT IS FINISHED

In recent weeks, the contract for the first construction piece of the Green Brook Flood Control Project was completed. The new bridge over the Green Brook between the Boroughs of Bound Brook and Middlesex is now fully complete. The temporary bridge has been removed and returned to the company from which it was rented.

A final inspection took place recently. The new bridge was approved. The Federal Engineers (Corps of Engineers) have turned the new bridge over to the two Counties - Middlesex and Somerset.

THE SECOND PIECE IS WELL UNDERWAY

Meantime the second construction contract at that site is moving forward rapidly.

Removal of the temporary bridge now allows the contractor to begin the building of the large pumping station. When the work at Billian Legion Park has been finished, this high capacity pumping station will gather up the storm water which falls on that part of Bound Brook. The pumps will discharge the storm water over the levee and into the Green Brook.

This pump station will have its own self-contained electrical power generator. It will work even when a storm interrupts the public service electrical power supply.

BILLIAN LEGION PARK WILL BE RESTORED

Construction work in this part of Bound Brook has involved virtually all of Billian Legion Park.

The large new Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority (PARSA) sewer line goes smack through the middle of the park. Other new storm sewer pipes have meant more excavation and disruption. Looking at the area now, it appears that there never was a park.

But all of that was known in advance. It was impossible to build flood protection there without tearing up the park.

As the plans for flood protection were developed in earlier years, a firm agreement was made with the officials of Bound Brook:

• All of the features of that attractive park will be restored.

• All of the fields and all of the parking.

• And of course the proud flagpole.

Some of the features of the park will end up in difference places. But all will be included in the rebuilt park. The end result will be a restored Billian Legion -Park of which the people of Bound Brook can be proud.

THEN WHAT?

The next piece of protection for Bound Brook will be along the Middle Brook at the west end of the Borough.

Plans for the construction there and the environmental restoration / mitigation, are now being finalized. This segment will extend from Union Avenue up the Middle Brook to the high ground near Route 22.

Construction of this third piece of the Flood Protection Project is planned to begin before the work at Billian Legion Park is finished.

AND AFTER THAT?

The approved plan of the Federal Engineers is a series of further final designs and construction contracts, marching up the Green Brook and its tributary streams. With the continued support of the affected Towns and Counties, and of course the State and Congress,

the Commission is determined to achieve flood protection for all of the people and property of the Green Brook Basin.

VERNON A. NOBLE, Chairman
111 GREENBROOK ROAD, GREEN BROOK, NEW JERSEY 08812 • (732) 968-2018