Caroline Clark challenges DEP's RFP for Trenton Water Works regionalization proposal

During the Trenton City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) recent Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at regionalizing Trenton Water Works. Caroline Clark, a resident of Trenton, voiced her apprehensions about the implications of this proposal, arguing that it could financially burden Trenton taxpayers rather than provide the intended benefits.

Clark emphasized that regionalization typically aims to consolidate services to save costs, a strategy often applied in areas like education and law enforcement. However, she contended that the proposed regionalization of Trenton Water Works would not yield savings for Trenton residents. Instead, it would require the city to share its resources with neighboring municipalities—Hamilton, Hopewell, Ewing, and Lawrence—while offering no utility services to combine with Trenton's existing infrastructure.

The resident questioned the legal authority of the DEP to issue such an RFP, suggesting that it interferes with the city's internal management. She argued that the DEP's approach contradicts its own acknowledgment of underinvestment in Trenton Water Works. Clark pointed out that instead of reallocating funds to other municipalities, the focus should be on investing in Trenton's water infrastructure to address the identified issues.

The discussion highlighted a broader concern about the management of municipal resources and the potential impact of state-level decisions on local governance. As the council deliberates on this matter, the implications for Trenton's financial health and service quality remain a pressing issue for residents and officials alike. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how they respond to the DEP's proposal and advocate for the interests of Trenton's taxpayers.