Published on January 17, 2025
Bipartisan Effort Aims to Reduce Flooding and Restore Water Flow
Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Sheriff James Gannon joined U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Hanover Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher and other local officials in East Hanover Township today to witness the progress being made to “de-snag” sections of the Whippany River, launching debris cleanup efforts to address flooding that has long plagued riverside communities.
The initiative, called the Whippany River Improvement Project, is being led by the Whippany-Passaic River Flood Remediation Task Force, which was formed by the mayors of towns along the river. They include Mayor Gallagher, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.
View Photos from the Whippany River Cleanup Today in East Hanover
Congresswomen Sherrill secured a federal Community Project grant of more than $2 million to fund the work, which is being done in phases. By removing debris from waterways, rivers flow more easily and capacity is enhanced, which helps to prevent erosion and flooding.
“This initiative, three years in the making, demonstrates the power of partnerships. From local municipalities to federal support, we are working together to alleviate persistent flooding issues that impact so many residents and businesses,” said Deputy Director Shaw, the county commissioners’ liaison to the Morris County Flood Mitigation Program.
“I especially want to thank Mayor Gallagher and Congresswoman Sherrill for their leadership. This is about more than cleaning a river; it’s about reducing flooding and improving the quality of life for Morris County residents,” Shaw added.
According to Mayor Gallagher, Phase 1 of the project has already cleared nearly 275 cubic yards of debris, including trees, railroad ties, shopping carts, and other long-accumulated materials obstructing the river in Hanover Township. Phase 2, currently underway behind the auto store at 30 Ridgedale Ave. in East Hanover, targets another 200 yards of obstructions. Completion of the initial phases will require 12 to 15 days of work by professional contractors.
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Photo 1: (l-r) The Whippany-Passaic River Flood Remediation Task Force, workers from Downes Tree Service, Inc. and others at the site of the Whippany River tree and debris removal taking place in East Hanover.
Photo 2: Commissioner Deputy Stephen Shaw, standing beside Downes Tree Service’s grapple saw truck.
Photo 3: A view of the Whippany River facing west behind the auto store at 30 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, N.J.
