A $3 Billion Proposal to Engineer New Jersey's Passaic River

The Passaic River, upriver from Newark, is a chronic flood threat to the communities along its banks. But a new plan to build a permanent solution could also block access to the river.

2 minute read

February 10, 2015, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


According to James M. O'Neill "federal engineers believe they now have a plan that will finally corral the [Passaic River] and stop the chronic flooding that has caused billions in property damage."

"The $3 billion proposal involves building 24 miles of levees and 17 miles of flood walls from Kearny to Totowa to hold in the river and its tributaries. It is one option the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is weighing over the next 18 months as it seeks a way to reduce the flooding that has inundated towns along the river for a century."

In addition to the $3 billion price tag, the project would incur another, significant cost: "The levee project offers a permanent solution, but it would also permanently alter the landscape and even the ability of residents to use the river. Scenic views of the river would be blocked and parks along the river’s banks would be lost."

O'Neill's reportage finds residents on either side of the issue, which obviously hits close to home for many in one of the most densely populated floodplains on the East Coast. The article is a thoughtful and thorough examination of the project's potential.

As for the plan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will spend up to 18 months considering three alternative plans. If Congress approves the chosen plan, construction and engineering plans would still be necessary, as would the state and local governments coming up with the money necessary to finance the project.

Sunday, February 8, 2015 in The Record

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

45 minutes ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

1 hour ago - Cities Today

View from inside car's driver seat while driving.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians

Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.

2 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA