By Lakewood Alerts
Published January 11, 2026

             Rep. Chris Smith announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.5 million in federal funding to the Ocean County Utilities Authority (OCUA) for a major wastewater treatment infrastructure improvement project.

             The funding was secured through a congressional earmark Smith included in the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 118-42). The funds will be used to replace and upgrade Primary Digester No. 2 at the Ocean County Utilities Authority’s Central Water Pollution Control Facilities, which serve Ocean County and parts of southern Monmouth County.

             Smith said the project is intended to improve the longevity, durability, and reliability of the region’s wastewater treatment system. He added that the upgrades will help enhance environmental protection, operational efficiency, and the safe treatment and disposal of wastewater and related byproducts for both residential and commercial customers.

             The congressman noted that the federal investment also helps return taxpayer dollars to New Jersey’s congressional district and supplements Ocean County’s capital expenditure budget for critical infrastructure needs.

             Smith further stated that the $1.5 million allocation represents the first phase of federal support for the facility. A second earmark, totaling approximately $1.1 million, was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives this week as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026.

             If the additional funding is approved by the U.S. Senate, Smith said the second tranche would become available sometime next year.