The Borough of Lakehurst is slated to receive $2,250,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) to upgrade and expand its water treatment plant that provides safe drinking water for Ocean County residents.

            “Clean, safe drinking water is not a luxury—it’s an essential necessity of everyday life,” said Rep. Smith, who personally secured the funds for the project as one of his congressional earmarks that were signed into law on Saturday as part of a negotiated budget.

            “This much-needed expansion of the Lakehurst Water Treatment Plant will advance the health and safety of residents not just in Lakehurst but also in neighboring towns by ensuring they can continue to access clean water,” said Smith, who noted that the funds will also help replace the water main connecting the Lakehurst treatment plant to the Manchester Township interconnection, which provides safe drinking water for Manchester residents.

             “I am grateful for the collaboration with Lakehurst Mayor Harry Robbins and Manchester Mayor Rob Arace who have done yeoman’s work in creating a partnership that will secure clean drinking water for residents,” Smith said.

            “As a NJDEP licensed water treatment operator I know how hard it is to maintain and operate a plant that is not only outdated, but is being ran with bandaids,” said Lakehurst Mayor Harry Robbins. “Because of the hard work of Congressman Smith, our water treatment plant will be brought into the 21st century and be ready for the future. Because the water treatment utility, is the only life sustaining utility, this funding means safe drinking water for both Manchester and Lakehurst. On behalf of our residents, thank you Congressman Smith!”

            The plant, which was completed in 1966 and last upgraded over 20 years ago, currently treats 300 gallons per minute. With the new funds secured by Smith, the Borough will be able to expand its capacity to 600 gallons per minute.

            Smith said the current wastewater facility—which is needed to remove contaminants like iron and manganese from the raw water of two wells—is an aging water treatment plant that provides potable water and fire protection to the entire Lakehurst community.

            The project includes the completion of all piping and water system appurtenances associated with the interconnect vaults. In addition to bringing the existing plant into compliance with pending regulations, the infrastructure upgrade will also improve the water system resiliency and cybersecurity.

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