City of Hoboken and North Hudson Sewerage Authority Agree To Explore Sensor Monitoring Technology
Mayor Dawn Zimmer is pleased to announce that the North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) has agreed to the City’s request to explore the implementation of sensor monitoring technology. “I want to thank NHSA Chairman Wolff and Executive Director Pocci for agreeing that the City of Hoboken can implement sensor monitoring technology to determine the most cost-effective solution for our City’s flooding problem,” she said. “This represents an important step in the City’s ongoing fight against flooding,” she added. Legally, NHSA retains rights over Hoboken’s sewerage system, and implementing new technology would require agreement by NHSA. Over the last year, Acting Mayor Zimmer has advocated strongly for the City to fully analyze the 4-pump plan to ensure the most cost-effective long term solution to solve Hoboken’s flooding.“EmNet’s technology will enable us to fully analyze our flood events so we can use this data to assess and prioritize the 4-pump plan proposed by North Hudson Sewerage Authority,” she explained. The Southeastern pump, which costs $14 million, will be funded by a NJ State Revolving Loan Program, and a grant received by NHSA. The other 3 pumps, costing approximately $30 million, are expected to be paid for by the City of Hoboken.
“We must protect taxpayers, and solve the major infrastructure problems our City faces. Implementing EmNet’s technology will enable us to ensure that we only spend what’s need to solve our serious flooding problem,” Zimmer commented.
”I am working closely with NHSA to move forward quickly with the most important southeast pump, but before I commit millions of taxpayer money for the additional 3 pumps, I hope to work with my Council colleagues and the State Fiscal Monitor to pursue all funding options for this innovative technology,” Acting Mayor Zimmer explained.
More information on EmNet’s CSOnet technology is available at: www.heliosware.com/cso.html
My Comment: There are some City Council members, other mayoral candidates that are upset with Dawn Zimmer for not persuing the stimulus funds which could have contributed $4-5 million to towards a second pump or perhaps up to three more pumps. The cost to Hoboken for those 3 pumps could be upwards of 30 million dollars. Is that a cost that the Hoboken taxpayer would be willing to foot the bill on in this political climate? Of course this cost could be bonded and spread out over many years but the Mayor's salary would certainly not cover that cost in terms of interest payments. Regardless of whether you think Hoboken should have persued that money this year , isn't it more prudent to find out if the other pumps are completely necessary before persuing that kind of cost? I don't expect even close to 100% agreement on this so feel free to comment below... ◦
