Workers use trenchless methods and grout injection equipment on a residential street as part of the Mini‑System 36 sewer rehabilitation in Princeton.
, September 8, 2025
Princeton’s council will consider borrowing $6.3 million from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to fund the Mini‑System 36 sewer rehabilitation covering neighborhoods bounded by John, Ewing, Mount Lucas and Quarry streets. The work uses trenchless methods, non‑toxic grout injections, selective lining and replacements to cut groundwater and rainwater infiltration, lower treatment costs and extend pipe life. The agenda also includes a Hamilton Avenue sewer replacement up to $409,670. Budget pressures and a multi‑year capital plan could raise sewer fees gradually. A court order is temporarily blocking rescission of a separate $2.75 million contract after a contractor lawsuit.
The Princeton Town Council will vote at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, on whether to borrow $6.3 million from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Construction Financing Loan Program to fund the Mini‑System #36 Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The loan would pay for repairs across most of northern Princeton inside the neighborhood bounded by John Street, Ewing Street, Mount Lucas Road and Quarry Street.
Town officials say the Mini‑System #36 work is intended to cut the amount the town pays for wastewater treatment by stopping groundwater and rainwater from entering the sanitary sewer system. An assessment found that about 40–50% of sewer flow in some areas comes from unwanted infiltration, which drives up treatment costs at the regional plant. The work includes sealing pipe joints and cracks by injecting a non‑toxic chemical grout, and replacing sections of pipe where needed to strengthen the system and avoid more invasive fixes later.
This borrowing request follows earlier council authorizations for sewer borrowing in June 2023 and June 2024. The municipality’s 2025 budget shows sewer expenses rose by $154,981, from $1,297,545 in 2024 to $1,452,526 in 2025, making sewer costs the second‑highest Public Works item. The chief financial officer identified sewer contributions as a primary driver of the town’s higher budget and taxes earlier this year. A recent draft budget also shows funding for the regional treatment authority increased by $211,863 from 2024 to 2025.
The Mini‑System #36 project aims to reduce the amount of clean groundwater treated as wastewater by sealing pipes and fixing joints. Work will focus on inflow and infiltration (I&I) reduction using methods that are often minimally disruptive and do not require full excavation. Where replacement or manhole work is needed, the town plans to time those activities with road reconstruction projects to limit repeated street openings. A stated longer‑term goal is to protect trunk lines and pump stations and to keep the system in serviceable condition indefinitely.
The council will also vote on a sanitary sewer replacement project on Hamilton Avenue, which could cost up to $409,670. Construction contracts for other sewer work were awarded to a New Jersey company in late August, and a separate resolution awarded about $1.72 million for street improvements on Alexander Street, Dickinson Street and University Place, offset in part by a state grant.
Princeton University pledged $50 million over five years for municipal infrastructure and support for lower‑income residents, with $28.2 million for unrestricted municipal use and $11.35 million for specific infrastructure projects. In the previous year the university paid municipal property and sewer taxes and made voluntary contributions that included $4 million directly for sewer repairs. The town notes many sewer costs are driven by payments to the regional sewerage authority, which treats and disposes of wastewater and is partly funded by municipal taxes.
The town is also entangled in a legal dispute with a contractor over a separate multi‑million‑dollar sewer contract. A county superior court judge issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the town from rescinding a roughly $2.75 million contract with a sewer contractor while the matter moves through the courts. The dispute involves the discovery of a container holding asbestos‑containing materials at a municipal site, questions about proper handling and transport under state rules, and claims about whether past handling practices were directed by municipal staff. The court ordered both sides to confer on next steps.
Town sewer planners have outlined a multi‑year investment plan through 2031. That plan calls for roughly $7.25 million per year for the next nine years for mains replacement, I&I reduction, trunkline work, pump station repairs and equipment, plus about $3 million per year to catch up on deferred maintenance. If implemented, the plan projected average single‑family sewer bills would rise gradually — previously estimated increases were about $40–$50 per year until 2031 — with the fee possibly reaching a level higher than today by that date. The sewer fee is added to property tax bills and applies only to homes served by public sewers.
Princeton’s sewer network extends roughly 130–150 miles. Much of the system is older and has not been converted to modern PVC pipe. Local geology of hard rock can allow water to pool and enter failing pipe joints, increasing infiltration compared with nearby towns with sandy soils. The town is reviewing pump stations for resiliency and replacement and coordinating sewer rehab with other underground utility work to avoid repeatedly opening roads.
Many I&I projects will be designed to be minimally disruptive and may be completed in easements or unpaved rights‑of‑way without major street closures. When full replacements or manhole work are required, the town plans to align those efforts with road projects to reduce repeated disruptions. During rehab and repair work, residents may still see temporary road and household impacts.
The council will consider resolutions including the $6.3M loan for Mini‑System #36 and the Hamilton Avenue sewer replacement at the scheduled meeting on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. The meeting will also include other capital and contract votes tied to ongoing sewer investment plans.
The council will vote on borrowing $6.3 million from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to fund the Mini‑System #36 Sewer Rehabilitation Project, and on other sewer and street contracts including a Hamilton Avenue sewer replacement.
Mini‑System #36 serves the area roughly bounded by John Street, Ewing Street, Mount Lucas Road and Quarry Street in northern Princeton.
The work will reduce groundwater and stormwater entering the sewer system by sealing pipe joints and cracks with non‑toxic grout, and replace pipe sections where needed to lower wastewater treatment costs and avoid larger future repairs.
The town has already seen sewer expenses rise in the 2025 budget. Long‑term plans call for debt service and work that could increase average single‑family sewer charges modestly over time, with earlier estimates showing incremental annual changes through 2031.
Yes. A contractor dispute involving handling of asbestos‑containing materials led to litigation and a temporary restraining order that prevents the town from rescinding a separate contract while the court considers the case.
The council vote is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, during the regular council meeting.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | $6.3 million from the NJIB Construction Financing Loan Program |
| Project area | Mini‑System #36 — area bounded by John, Ewing, Mount Lucas and Quarry Streets |
| Main methods | Non‑toxic chemical grout injection, targeted pipe sealing, selective main replacements |
| Purpose | Reduce inflow & infiltration to lower wastewater treatment costs and strengthen pipes |
| Related cost | Hamilton Avenue sanitary sewer replacement — up to $409,670 |
| Vote time | 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8 |
| Legal status | Temporary restraining order blocks rescission of a separate $2.75M sewer contract pending court action |
| Long‑term plan | Approx. $7.25M/year plus $3M/year to catch up on deferred maintenance through 2031 |
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