FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2011
Monmouth County and Matawan partner
to clean local catch basins
Borough workers, using county truck and crew, remove debris
MATAWAN, NJ – Monmouth County’s highway maintenance crews and Matawan borough workers teamed up on a shared service project last week, cleaning out more than 20 catch basins in Matawan that had become clogged with dirt and debris.
The partnership is an example of one of the many shared services offered by the Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering.
“This was truly a team effort with the county providing its expertise and equipment, while the Borough of Matawan supplied traffic control and a disposal site,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, who is the department’s freeholder liaison. “The county provided this shared service at a substantial cost savings to Matawan, responded quickly, and completed the project in an efficient manner.”
The cost to the borough was $1,690, said John W. Tobia, director of Public Works and Engineering.
“The state Department of Environmental Protection conducted a storm water compliance inspection and, as a result, Matawan was directed to clean these catch basins,” Tobia said. “They called us on a Thursday and we started cleaning the basins on Monday. I urge all of our municipalities to contact the county before starting a project like this to see if there is something we can do to help.”
“This is another instance of how Monmouth County can help local government and provide real savings to the taxpayers,” Curley said. “On behalf of the Board of Freeholders, I would like to thank the Department of Public Works and Engineering personnel for another job well done.”
“The county’s field crew, working with Matawan’s DPW, did a commendable job clearing the basins,” said John J. Applegate, Matawan’s director of Public Works. “This is Matawan’s first experience utilizing this type of shared service agreement. If this program is any indication of how they work, my recommendation would be for Matawan to take advantage of these agreements with the county, and our neighboring towns whenever possible. It is efficient way for the borough to remain in compliance with environmental regulations, and a cost effective means of providing services to our residents.”
Information about shared services can be found on the county home page at www.visitmonmouth.com. For a shared service or some other municipal assistance call the Department of Public Works and Engineering at 732-577-8758.
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