Passaic to use $1.6M in federal funding for flood control projects

PASSAIC, N.J. (PIX11) -- It's been two and a half years since Ida claimed the lives of Nidhi Rana and Ayush Rana.

The high school prom king and queen were out driving during the storm when their car was lifted up by a flash flood and swept away. Their bodies were later found in the Passaic River. 

"Still right now, we feel so, so sad right now," said Nidhi's mother, Darshana Rana.

It was with their memory in mind that U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell and Passaic Mayor Hector Lora announced more than $1.6 million in federal funding will be going to flood control projects.

"The Ranas are always in my heart," said Pascrell.

"All funding is important, but some projects are personal," said Lora. "This one is personal."

Lora said the projects will promote stormwater management in areas like the McDonald Brook.

"You're going to see impactful change," said Lora. "You'll see this street right here expanded for more grass, hundreds of trees planted. We have options like turning High Street into a dead end, obviously expanding more grass, more shrubbery, more trees."

The federal money is on top of $5 million in state funding to go toward a project at the city's Third Ward Park to redirect stormwater flow and install a pump station and underground basin storage.

Darshana Rana said she's grateful for the funding and hopes it will one day prevent another family from enduring her pain.

"We always remember every occasion, every moment of our life," she said. "I can't explain in my words."