The money is part of a $37.5 billion energy and water appropriations measure.
WASHINGTON -- An energy and water development spending bill approved by the U.S. Senate Thursday includes $11 million in federal funding for New Jersey communities imperiled by flooding.
The $37.5 billion legislation includes funding for Army Corps of Engineers projects and Energy Department programs. The House passed its own version earlier this month.
"Our state is routinely in the path of severe storms that can destroy neighborhoods and wreak havoc on people's lives," said U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) "This funding is vital to moving these communities closer to a long term flood mitigation solution that will protect residents and property."
Unfinished project could not protect Somerset
Most of the funds -- $10 million -- will be spent in the Green Brook sub-basin and is designed to reduce flooding in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. The project includes floodwalls, levees, gates pump stations and rerouting water flows.
There also is $575,000 to study the impact of tidal flooding from Hurricane Sandy and other major storms in Jersey Shore bays and estuaries; and $379,000 y0o complete a study of how to reduce flooding along the Rahway River Basin in Essex, Middlesex and Union counties.
"New Jersey families deserve to have the peace of mind that they are out of harm's way and don't have to live in constant fear of the next storm," said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). "These federally funded projects make an important investment in the safety and well-being of New Jerseyans by helping to mitigate the impact of flooding and making us more resilient in the face of future storms."
Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.