Newark advances $7.4 million Wayne Pump Station upgrade amid broader infrastructure push

Newark advances $7.4 million Wayne Pump Station upgrade amid broader infrastructure pushThe city council greenlit funding to overhaul the 1960s-era pump station, utilizing state resiliency funds that could forgive up to 90% of the principal, while also approving major contracts for treatment plant and aqueduct improvements.

The Wayne Pump Station, which handles 55 million gallons per day, will undergo life-extending upgrades expected to last 35 to 50 years.

Newark anticipates 50% to 90% principal forgiveness on the $7.4 million project through the state's IBank.

The council approved a $5.65 million contract increase for a Dissolved Air Flotation System at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant.

Water and Sewer Utilities Director Kareem Adeem noted the city has invested over $750 million in water and wastewater infrastructure since 2014.

The Newark Municipal Council has approved a $7.4 million bond ordinance to finance critical upgrades to the Wayne Pump Station, a central component of the city's regional water distribution network. Built in the 1960s, the pump station draws from the North Jersey District Water Supply's Wanaque Reservoir and processes approximately 55 million gallons per day. During a September 9 meeting, Water and Sewer Utilities Director Kareem Adeem told the council that the facility is in "dire need of repair" but remains vital for supplying drinking water to both Newark residents and bulk water customers across the region. The $7.4 million project will be financed through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (IBank). According to Adeem, the city successfully pitched the project to the state to tap into available resiliency funding. Newark expects to receive between 50% and 90% principal forgiveness on the debt, utilizing zero-interest loans during the construction phase. The upgrades are projected to extend the station's operational life by 35 to 50 years. Adeem positioned the pump station project within a broader turnaround for the utility, noting that Newark has invested more than $750 million into its water and wastewater infrastructure since 2014. These capital improvements are funded entirely by ratepayers and bulk water sales, rather than the city's general tax base. Beyond the pump station, the council advanced several other high-value water infrastructure contracts during the meeting. Most notably, lawmakers approved a $5.65 million contract amendment with CDM Smith, Inc. for design and construction administration of a Dissolved Air Flotation System at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. The increase brings the total contract value to $9.75 million. The council also signed off on multiple contracts related to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Pequannock Aqueducts. This included an $857,191 change order for construction firm Hutton Construction, LLC, raising its total contract to $15.7 million, and a $353,325 amendment for Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc. for engineering and inspection services. During a brief debate on construction quality and oversight, Adeem assured council members that all water and sewer capital projects are rigorously monitored. He noted that the city must meet strict standards set by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA to ensure project compliance and secure the state loan forgiveness.