CAPE MAY – Cape May City Council adopted a bond ordinance Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the amount of $2 million authorizing the city’s water and sewer utility to use the funds for architectural and design work, along with construction planning, preparation of specifications and creation of needed bid documents and permit applications related to the development of a new desalination plant.

The amount will be reduced by any contributions or grants in aid to the city by any governmental or private entity directed at the new plant.

At a previous council meeting, Mayor Zack Mullock said the city would preserve and incorporate in some way the existing 100-year-old waterworks building both for its historic value and in anticipation that its incorporation in a new design might lower overall expense.

The city anticipates significant outside funding for the project.

The original desalination plant, opened more than 20 years ago, was a unique response to saltwater intrusion, which is a common problem for island communities. The city not only meets its own water needs from the plant but also has agreements to supply fresh water to West Cape May and Cape May Point, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.

Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.