Hillsborough Township Receives Sustainable Jersey Grant to Support Green Infrastructure Feasibility Study at Willow Road Property

Creating a model for sustainable stormwater management and environmental stewardship throughout Hillsborough. 

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. — Hillsborough is pleased to announce that the Township is a recipient of a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey grant, funded by the PSEG Foundation, to support a study of potential green infrastructure projects at 291 Willow Road. On June 15th, Hillsborough Planning Director David Kois and Assistant Planner/Sustainability Program Manager Samantha Ball attended a grant award ceremony at The College of New Jersey to receive the funds.

"Hillsborough Township is thrilled to accept this grant award from Sustainable Jersey and the PSE&G Foundation. This funding will be used to assess the feasibility of on-site green infrastructure improvements on a currently underutilized Township Open Space property,” Mayor Catherine Payne said.

56 New Jersey municipalities, schools, and school districts were selected by Sustainable Jersey to receive more than $300,000 in grant funding to support sustainability initiatives statewide. Funded by the PSEG Foundation, the grants support projects focused on environmental stewardship, climate resilience, green infrastructure, food waste reduction, environmental education, and community engagement.

This funding will be used for a feasibility study at 291 Willow Road, a 10.3-acre property designated as open space, with a detention basin easement designed to capture stormwater from the surrounding development and a preexisting walking/biking path connecting Willow Road to Michelle Lane. Hillsborough aims to implement solutions that not only effectively manage on-site stormwater but also create a small parklet for residents to enjoy and learn about green infrastructure. The Township hopes that this is the beginning of a larger-scale effort to responsibly manage stormwater through natural systems.

“As a longtime participant in the Sustainable Jersey program, Hillsborough is committed to implementing projects that demonstrate how thoughtful planning can improve both our environment and quality of life," said Samantha Ball, Assistant Planner and Sustainability Program Manager. "This grant is an important first step toward creating a model that can inspire future sustainability initiatives throughout the Township.” 

Hillsborough is committed to responsibly managing our natural resources and creating a thriving community for generations to come. The Township appreciates the generous support from organizations like Sustainable Jersey, which enables the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives.

About Hillsborough Township

Hillsborough Township is a Somerset County community governed by a five-member Township Committee and committed to transparent government, responsive services, and a high quality of life for all residents.

About Sustainable Jersey

Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability initiatives. Currently, 83% or 470 of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities are participating in the municipal certification program and 67% of New Jersey’s school districts and 1,237 schools are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program. Sustainable Jersey participants have successfully implemented and documented over 30,250 sustainability actions, and the program has provided more than $9 million in grants to municipalities, school districts, and schools to support community-based projects that build healthier, more sustainable futures across the state. www.SustainableJersey.com; www.SustainableJerseySchools.com

About PSEG Foundation

The PSEG Foundation (501(c)(3), the philanthropic arm of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), prioritizes investments in promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment.

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