By Joseph L. Kuchie –

South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry

SOUTH AMBOY – The South Amboy City Council approved the bond ordinance that will allow for the financing of repairs to the Waterfront Walkway.

The ordinance was adopted after a public hearing at last Wednesday’s council meeting. It will authorize the issuance of $1.98 million in city bonds that will finance part of the construction to the walkway and seawall.

According to the ordinance, the funds will cover surveying, construction planning, engineering and design work, preparation of plans and specifications, permits, bid documents, inspection, contract administration, and all equipment, work, materials, and labor necessary.

Resident Nancy McLaughlin of George St. asked the council about FEMA’s contributions to the project. City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz confirmed that the agency would be reimbursing 90 percent of the project’s cost but South Amboy would have to pay for the restoration up front.

“It’s a reimbursement program. We’ve been approved for 90 percent of the project we submitted,” Rasimowicz said.

“That’s how the project works,” Mayor Henry added.

Restless residents have ignored the fencing surrounding the area and have continued to walk on the unsafe path. Bidding on the project went out on Aug. 22 and the city will continue to work to get the restoration finished in a timely fashion.

The improvements listed in the ordinance are expected to last at least 15 years. The bond will officially go into affect 20 days after the final adoption.

Mayor Henry also announced that the generator located at Town Hall was successfully tested last Wednesday and the building will be prepared if or when another storm hits South Amboy.

Councilman Mickey Gross was not in attendance for last Wednesday’s meeting. The next city council meeting will be held on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.