Red Bank Gets $1M To Remove Lead Pipes From Local Water System

RED BANK, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) has secured $2 million in federal funding for two drinking-water infrastructure projects aimed at removing lead pipes from local water systems.

The projects are based in two Monmouth County municipalities, Pallone said, one of which is Red Bank.

Funding for the Red Bank project includes $1 million for the borough to remove and replace aging lead pipes that pose a risk to the community’s drinking water.

Local officials have warned that deteriorating lead infrastructure could contaminate water across the system if left unaddressed.

“This $1 million investment represents a meaningful partnership that further strengthens Red Bank’s ability to protect public health and ensure the long-term safety of our drinking water system,” Mayor Billy Portman said.

“The borough has been aggressive and swift in meeting its statutory responsibility to remove and replace lead service lines well ahead of the 2031 deadline, and this funding helps us sustain that momentum," Portman continued.

He went on to say that support like this not only keeps a "massive, multi-year infrastructure project" on track, but also reduces the financial burden on local ratepayers while accelerating the borough's goal of providing safe, reliable drinking water for every resident.

“We are truly thankful for this funding and the consideration given to Red Bank as we continue this critical work," Portman said.

In addition to funding going to Red Bank, a separate $1 million allocation will go to Matawan to identify and remove all remaining lead service lines, eliminating a major source of potential lead exposure and improving confidence in the safety of tap water, Pallone said.

“Without this federal funding, Red Bank and Matawan would be forced to pass these costs onto local taxpayers or delay critical upgrades,” Pallone said. “That’s why I have fought so hard to not only secure this funding, but to deliver $1 million for both municipalities to replace these outdated lead pipes. Clean, safe drinking water is the foundation of a healthy community.”

Lead pipes and service lines are a well-documented public-health hazard, officials said, particularly in older communities where infrastructure predates modern safety standards.

Even low levels of lead exposure have been linked to long-term health risks, including developmental harm to children.

Funding for these projects in Matawan and Red Bank was requested by Pallone through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to direct federal resources toward priority infrastructure needs in their districts.

Both projects are intended to accelerate pipe replacement while offsetting costs that would otherwise fall on local governments and ratepayers.

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• Matawan Gets $1 Million To Remove Lead Pipes From Local Water System