It won't be until next spring before construction for a new Taylor Park dam can start because of the state approvals necessary for the project.

The Township Committee is expected to award a contract to Petry Engineering of Fairfield during its meeting tonight at 8 in Town Hall. The contract costs $42,900 for the engineering for the project.

Last winter the committee chose a plan that calls for the removal of the current dam's gates and the installation of a weir upstream. A weir is a small dam that allows water to flow over the top. The plan could cost up to $170,000, according to a report that was provided to the committee.

The current dam has wooden gates that are warped, which can cause problems when they need to be opened or closed.

The dam gates need to open when there is significant rain in order to prevent flooding upstream of the West Branch of the Rahway River. Closing the gates allows water to build in the pond in the park.

Township Administrator Tim Gordon said township officials have been waiting if there will be grant money available for the project, but officials are prepared to do the project without grant money.

When the project starts depends on when the state Department of Environmental Protection grants the proper approvals, Gordon said.

The consultants will need to design the project before it is submitted for state approval, he said, and it could take several months for that to happen.

Gordon said he doesn't expect the project to be ready for construction by the fall, but it could be ready for the spring.