Committee Member Peters-Manning Testifies at Assembly Hearing on Trenton Water Works
Hopewell Township, NJ — At a New Jersey Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee hearing held on January 5, 2026, Committee Member Peters-Manning provided testimony in support of Bill A5980, known as the “Citizens’ Fund Act,” legislation that would create a mechanism for establishing a regional water utility for Trenton Water Works (TWW).
During her testimony, Committee Member Peters-Manning emphasized the critical need for reliable, professionally managed water service for residents and businesses throughout the region. She noted that repeated failures at Trenton Water Works, specifically the ongoing frazil ice debacle, underscore the necessity for long-term structural reform to ensure consistent, high-quality service.
Bill A5980 creates a pathway toward a regional water utility model that would bring modern governance and operational stability while keeping the system publicly owned.
“This [Bill A5980] will bring professional management, shared oversight, and representation that reflects today’s customer base—while keeping the system public, compensating Trenton for its assets, and honoring Trenton’s central role,” Committee Member Peters-Manning stated during the hearing.
“Hopewell Township remains firmly committed to ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for our residents,” said Mayor Chait. “Supporting legislation that paves the way for a regional water utility is about protecting public health, restoring trust, and ensuring our community has professional oversight and infrastructure it deserves.”
The Citizens’ Fund Act is sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo and has been unanimously passed out of the Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. The identical bill in the Senate, S4875, is sponsored by Senator Linda Greenstein, and is currently in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.