Ramsey council adopts $3.25M bond for Arrow Road water‑treatment upgrades to meet federal PFAS limits

The Borough of Ramsey on Nov. 24 adopted Ordinance 25‑2025, authorizing $3,250,000 in bonds and bond‑anticipation notes to pay for water‑treatment improvements at the Arrow Road treatment facility.

The ordinance authorizes issuance of long‑term debt to finance upgrades that borough officials said are required because recently tightened federal Environmental Protection Agency limits for per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mean some supply wells that previously met New Jersey standards no longer comply. "This ordinance authorizes funding for this project," a borough official said during the reading, noting design plans and a public bid package are complete.

Officials told the council they will seek financing through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I‑Bank), which can offer lower interest rates and the potential for principal forgiveness for eligible water projects. "We will continue to pursue this I‑Bank funding to help mitigate the cost to our residents as water system customers," the official said.

The Board of Public Works earlier developed plans for treatment at additional supply wells after changes in federal guidance; the ordinance gives the borough authority to issue bonds and proceed with bidding and construction once financing is secured. The mayor opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke. The council then adopted the ordinance by roll call vote on the record.

How the work will be phased, the expected construction timeline and whether I‑Bank funding will cover any principal were discussed as possibilities but no final financing package was announced at the meeting. The borough indicated the project remains subject to the competitive I‑Bank process.

The ordinance takes effect as provided by law; the borough clerk was directed to publish the title and adoption notice in an official newspaper.