Bond Counsel Services

It is the Authority’s intention to issue all financing (interim and/or permanent) for the projects described above through negotiated sale to the I-Bank and the State. The long-term funds lent from the State are at 0% interest rate while the I-Bank funds lent is at AAA- at a blended rate.

It is the Authority’s intent to begin the financing process for a project through the NJ I‑Bank in 2026. The Gravity Sewer Interceptor Lining Project is currently in the design phase, with approximately 95% of the design complete. The tentative bid schedule is set for before the end of the second quarter of 2026. Due to the anticipated project duration, short‑term financing will likely be required. The estimated project cost is $5,000,000.

In addition, the Authority intends to seek NJ I‑Bank financing for the Aeration Basin Diffused Air Conversion Project. The specifications for this project are approximately 80% complete, and staff anticipate initiating the financing process in 2027. This project is estimated at $7,000,000.

Finally, the Authority will issue a bid in 2026 for a Lease Financing Agreement for the purchase of heavy equipment totaling approximately $3,416,000. Staff anticipate awarding this contract during the third quarter of 2026.

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) owns and operates a Solid Waste complex in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, NJ, known as the Howard F. Haneman Environmental Park, and a Wastewater Treatment Facility in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, NJ, known as City Island Treatment Plant.

The Solid Waste facility is home to an active landfill, a recycling center, composting site, and ancillary facilities. Also on site is the ACUA’s primary administration building, constructed in 1992, which features a closed-loop geothermal HVAC system. In October 2025, the ACUA joined partners South Jersey Industries and OPAL Fuels in the Atlantic RNG Project, which is the first of its kind at a public landfill in New Jersey and the first project to deliver RNG into the pipeline system of South Jersey Gas. RNG contributes to a cleaner environment by preventing methane emissions and displacing diesel fuel. The ACUA’s solid waste complex is located at 6700 Delilah Road, in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. The site consists of approximately 360 acres with approximately 102 acres representing the landfill footprint.

The Wastewater Treatment Facility has been in operation since 1978 and services 14 communities in Atlantic County. It is home to the Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm, a 7.5 MW wind farm that is privately owned and from which the ACUA purchases approximately 12 million kWh per year of electricity. In addition, the facility also houses a 500 kW solar PV system.

The ACUA is responsible to the residents of Atlantic County to be financially prudent and environmentally responsible.

The Wastewater Division’s recent borrowings have all been through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The ACUA currently has several major projects that will also be financed through the NJ I Bank, primarily involving plant upgrades to the solids handling infrastructure within the wastewater treatment process. These include Solids Handling Phase 1A (dewatering process and TAS upgrades) and Solids Handling Phase 1B (conveyance process).

The short‑term closing for the Phase 1A Solids Handling Project has been completed, and the project is expected to be finished with long‑term financing anticipated in 2027. The total project cost is $11.0 million. The short‑term closing for the Phase 1B Solids Handling Project is expected to occur in 2027.

The Authority is also preparing an application to the NJ I Bank for the Gravity Sewer Interceptor Lining Project, which is scheduled for bidding and contract award in 2026, with a short‑term closing also anticipated in 2026 and an estimated cost of approximately $5.0 million. In addition, the Authority will be submitting an application for the Aeration Basins Diffused Air Conversion Project, which is currently in the design phase, estimated at $7.0 million, and expected to reach short‑term closing in 2027.

The ACUA received a rating AA- from Standard and Poor’s in October of 2022.