Money for buyouts of Manville homes was announced Monday by U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker.
A total of $3.7 million will go to buy and demolish 102 properties in the borough.
The relief funding will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Somerset County for costs related to Superstorm Sandy.
“Nearly three years after our state’s worst natural disaster, our neighborhoods still endure the scars of Sandy and need to move forward toward the path to full recovery,” said Sen. Menendez. “I will continue to fight for critical resources like this to ensure homeowners and local communities can both recover and rebuild.”
“Buyouts of flood-prone homes are important part of New Jersey’s long term recovery from Superstorm Sandy, said Sen. Booker. “This funding will go a long way to help families move from flood prone areas and keep our residents safe from future storms. I will continue to work to ensure FEMA lives up to their commitment to help New Jerseyans fully recover.”
Another $3,862,563 in federal money will go to the state Department of Environmental Protection to fund the acquisition and demolition of flood-prone properties in Woodbridge. The cost share for these activities is coming from the DEP’s elevation program.
Governor Christie came to Manville on May 27 to visit the Lost Valley section, where most of the homes to be removed are located.
In 2013, the President signed the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill into law, bringing the total Sandy aid enacted by Congress to $60.2 billion. The funding package included federal aid to help homeowners, businesses, and communities recover, and resources to rebuild coastal, transportation, and water infrastructure.
