Parsippany Mayor Joins Effort To Clean Up Flood-Prone Whippany River

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A recent act of bipartisan collaboration kicked off as work began on a project aimed at reducing flooding in Morris County communities along the Whippany River, officials said.

Last week, five Morris County mayors, including Mayor James Barberio, joined state legislators to tour the progress of the Whippany River Regional Improvement Initiative, a project designed to better protect residents and businesses from flood damage.

The Whippany River Strike Force, a collaborative initiative focused on flood mitigation, includes mayors and local leaders from Hanover Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Morristown, Morris Township, Morris Plains and Parsippany.

These communities have faced the devastation of flooding firsthand, and with $1.5 million in federal Community Project Funding from the previous year's budgets, the towns have hired engineers to survey trouble spots along the river—some even using helicopters for aerial assessments.

This multi-year, multi-phase project recently kicked off, with these leaders joining forces to assess local flood risks and evaluate potential solutions. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) has worked with the group to secure over $2 million in federal funding for the Whippany River Improvement Project.

“Here in New Jersey, we know the impact of flooding all too well, which is why I have worked hard to bring back our tax dollars for flood prevention projects. I am so excited that work has finally begun to clear and desnag the Whippany River, an important initial step to protect Morris County towns and residents,” Sherrill said.

The funding will help clear debris and address problem areas of the river, preventing further erosion and improving its flow and capacity.

“This initiative, three years in the making, demonstrates the power of partnerships. From local municipalities to federal support, we are working together to alleviate persistent flooding issues that impact so many residents and businesses,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw.

According to officials, Phase 1 of the project has already cleared nearly 275 cubic yards of debris, including trees, railroad ties, shopping carts and other materials that had accumulated and obstructed the river in Hanover Township.

Phase 2, currently underway behind the auto store at 30 Ridgedale Ave. in East Hanover, aims to remove another 200 cubic yards of debris. Completion of these initial phases is expected to take 12 to 15 days of work by professional contractors.

The Whippany River watershed covers approximately 36 square miles and spans 12 towns across Morris County.