New Jersey lawmakers announced Monday that a flood control project is in the works for communities along the Rahway River.

Sen. Robert Menendez, Rep. Leonard Lance and representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers say that the project is near, but details are still being worked out.

Officials say that while the river is an important natural resource, its potential for destructive flooding requires an increase in flood control.

"We know when flooding takes place it hurts businesses, ruins lives, and sometimes ultimately takes lives," says Sen. Menendez.

The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to release the flood plans next month, and the public will be allowed to comment on them. The plans will likely include channeling the river and elevating some homes in the flood plains.

The plan is expected to affect 24 communities in Essex, Middlesex and Union counties. Sen Menendez says he hopes Congress will vote this week to fast-track completion of the flood study and start construction on the project.

The Rahway River saw devastating flooding during Hurricane Irene.