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Dive brief:
- The New Jersey Department of Property Management and Construction has awarded EE Cruz, a heavy civil construction contractor jointly owned by Flatiron Contractors and Turner Construction, a $251 million contract as part of the Hudson River Resilience Project.
- The project, overseen by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aims to improve flood protection in Hoboken, New Jersey and surrounding communities, with a focus on storms, sea level rise and climate change, said Joe Sheehan, president of EE Cruz.
- Construction will involve the installation of 9,600 linear feet of reinforced concrete flood walls, 28 floodgates and landscaping modifications at Harborside Park along the Hudson River, according to the release.
Diving knowledge:
The project is a crucial step safeguarding communities of the growing threats posed by climate change, according to the statement.
For example, the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy led to the need for resiliency measures along the Hudson waterfront and the Meadowlands area, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said. This aligns with the growing trend of resilience in infrastructure projects, as construction executives and owners increasingly emphasize the importance of flood mitigation.
Once complete, the project will improve community resiliency, alleviate public health risks and significantly reduce FEMA flood insurance rates by removing 80% of the city from floodplains. The project will also improve public access to the waterfront.
“We are excited for this opportunity to help protect Hoboken and parts of the surrounding communities in Weehawken and Jersey City and local residents,” Sheehan said. “This major flood protection project will address storm surges, sea level rise and the increasing effects of climate change as we work with customers, stakeholders and partners to improve this vibrant community.”
The Hudson River project is EE Cruz’s second major water resilience project, according to the release. The contractor was already working on it $631 million Battery Park City Resilience Projectalong with its joint venture partner Turner, earlier this year.
In addition to resilience projects, EE Cruz also delivers other high-profile projects in the New York metropolitan area. These projects include the MTA Forsyth Street Emergency Ventilation Plant and the plant $138 million Bronx River Parkway bridge replacement.
