READINGTON TWP. – The Township Committee gave the environmental commission a go-ahead to apply for a state grant to mitigate flooding from Pleasant Run stream and Hollow Brook stream at its Monday, March 16 committee meeting.

The streams run through two private properties and two open space parcels. Pleasant Run Road and Hollow Brook Road have been known to flood due to stormwater runoff from the streams.

Mayor Betty Ann Fort said the grant funds from the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program would also be used to increase water quality and spread awareness of how to manage stormwater runoff on private properties.

“If we get it, there is significant money involved,” Fort said.

Administrator Vita Meskovetz said the town was recently awarded $10,000 from the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program for forest management behind Three Bridges School.

Three Bridges School was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools program in February for its accomplishments in sustainability, environmental education and resource conversation.

Mekovetz credited the environmental commission and its chair, Stephen Foster, for the commission’s efforts to secure the grant money.

“This is another one in a long list of awards for our sustainability,” said Mayor Fort.

Committee Member Sam Tropello, liaison to township fire companies and the rescue squad, was upset the committee had not discussed the Whitehouse Rescue Squad’s request for a new $625,000 heavy rescue truck ahead of upcoming budget meetings.

“That’s a vehicle that will save lives and is dearly needed,” Tropello said.

The committee member raised his concerns as the committee discussed the purchase of a $22,000 2015 Ford Escape for township construction officials to use for building inspections.

Mekovetz explained the construction office is self-sustaining, and the $22,000 could not be used for purchases outside of the department. The committee unanimously approved of the purchase.

“The rescue truck will be part of the budget discussion, and we’ll see what we can do there,” committee member John Broten told Tropello.

The rescue squad’s current truck is 21 years old and in poor condition. Squad Chief Jeff Herzog told the committee at its Tuesday, Feb. 24 meeting the $625,000 truck would last the township 25 years.

The hefty price tag gave committee members pause at the Feb. 24 committee meeting.