DOVER — On August 8, 2025, under the leadership of Mayor James P. Dodd, the Town of Dover took a landmark step in its ongoing fight against flooding, welcoming the New Jersey State OEM Hazard Mitigation Unit and experts from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to launch a major, science-driven mitigation initiative.
Recognizing flooding as one of Dover’s most persistent and costly challenges, Mayor Dodd has made securing long-term protection for residents and infrastructure a top priority of his administration. His push for innovative, research-backed solutions brought together post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, and leading engineers to work directly with Dover in identifying and addressing the community’s most flood-prone areas.
Fully funded by the State of New Jersey, this effort will deliver in-depth surveying and data collection — critical steps that position Dover to compete successfully for both federal and state mitigation grants. By championing the collaboration, Mayor Dodd has ensured the town is at the forefront of using advanced technology to protect its future.
Town Planner Alex Dougherty and Dover OEM Coordinator Anthony Rosario are leading the local engagement on the ground, working in close coordination with state and NJIT teams. Together, they are mapping priority sites, including key locations along the Rockaway River and Blackwell Street, where severe flooding can cut off access to Route 10 and delay emergency response.
The project’s core strategy includes deploying advanced monitoring devices in major hotspots, technology that will provide continuous real-time data on flood behavior — a game-changing tool for decision-making and prevention.
“This is about more than just addressing the problems we see today,” said Mayor Dodd. “It’s about ensuring Dover’s safety, connectivity, and resilience for decades to come. By partnering with NJIT and the State’s Hazard Mitigation Unit, we’re building a future where flooding no longer threatens our residents, our economy, or our emergency response capabilities.”
This initiative represents the beginning of a high-level collaboration that has the potential to reshape Dover’s flood strategy, protect critical infrastructure, and unlock millions in funding. Under Mayor Dodd’s leadership, Dover is moving decisively toward a stronger, safer, and more resilient tomorrow.
