MADISON - Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, has submitted a Community Project Funding (CPF) request of $5 million to the House Appropriations Committee to support the preservation of the Drew University Forest Preserve.

Sherrill submitted the request along with 14 other CPF requests for the 11th Congressional District for Fiscal Year 2024, according to a Monday, April 17 statement from the congresswoman's office. The requests may be included in the text of the 2024 appropriations bill and marked up by the House Appropriations Committee later this year.

The $5 million in funding would "assist the Borough of Madison in purchasing and preserving the Drew Forest, which has been at risk of being sold and developed for market-rate residential development," per the statement.

Borough officials, who have been working with the Land Conservancy of New Jersey on a separate grant application to the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund, met recently with Drew University administrators and trustees to discuss a potential conservation sale.

"It was a productive meeting that will lead to continued discussions," Madison Mayor Robert Conley said at a Borough Council meeting on Monday, April 10.

In the statement, Sherill's office noted the forest "provides regional environmental and public benefits that would be lost if cleared for development, including 22 acres of public trails, unique educational opportunities, and natural water resources. The forest captures and purifies about 71.5 million gallons of rainfall each year and its aquifer is a major source of drinking water for 31 municipalities in Morris, Essex, Somerset, and Union County. It provides all the drinking water for Madison, Chatham Borough, Florham Park and East Hanover.

"This area serves as a wildlife corridor that connects to Giralda Farms Preserve, Loantaka Brook Reservation and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Migrating birds depend on this forest and its tree canopy for a stopover. "

This will be the third round of Community Projects during Sherrill's tenure.

Also in the immediate area, the congresswoman is requesting $4 million to renovate the century-old home of ECLC of New Jersey in Chatham, $4 million for the second phase of a Whippany River flood mitigation project that runs through Morristown, Morris Township, Florham Park and the Hanovers, and more.

The federal funds for these local projects would create jobs, drive local economic growth and improve the quality of life throughout the district and state, she said.

"I am excited to announce the 15 new Community Projects I am submitting this year on behalf of the 11th Congressional district," said Sherrill. "From bolstering public safety and improving water quality to updating community spaces and preserving our open spaces, all of these projects will have a great impact on towns in every corner of the district. I want to thank all local officials, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions for submitting their projects. In Congress, I’ll fight to get our priorities passed and deliver these funds for our community.”

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