Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided $1.5 million in critical federal funding to the Ocean County Utilities Authority (OCUA) for a greatly needed wastewater treatment improvement project. The funds were made possible by Smith’s direct earmark to the OCUA, which he included in the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL 118-42).

                “I am pleased to announce that the Ocean County Utilities Authority—which owns and operates the Central Water Pollution Control Facilities (CWPCF)—has met all requirements and is now receiving the $1.5 million in federal funds I secured to help replace and upgrade its Primary Digester No. 2, significantly improving the longevity, durability, and reliability of the wastewater treatment infrastructure servicing Ocean and southern Monmouth counties,” said Smith.

                “This federal support and partnership with the OCUA will help to repair and upgrade the systems at the treatment plant and aid in improving the safety, environmental conditions, and efficiencies in the treatment and disposal of wastewater and byproducts for those residential and business customers in Ocean and Monmouth counties,” continued Smith.

                Smith stated that the vital project also returns critical NJ taxpayer dollars to our congressional district, supplementing the capital expenditure budget for Ocean County.

                Smith noted that the current $1.5 million reflects a first phase of federal support for the wastewater management facility in Ocean County. He stated that a second tranche—approximately $1.1 million—coincidentally passed the House this week in an earmark he included in the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026.

                That money, if approved by the Senate, will be available sometime next year.

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