By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
The Township Committee unanimously introduced an ordinance that will protect homeowners living in flood plains by making them eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program.
According to Bill White, township engineer, without the ordinance, flood insurance policies could not be issued or renewed, and disaster assistance for flood damage could potentially be denied in the future.
The ordinance requires residents and developers in the flood plain to apply for a development permit from the township construction department in the event of any alterations or construction on the buildings that are already there. This permit, required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will be issued based on the residents or developers ensuring that improvements are made above the floodplain.
The introduced ordinance provides information on building structures above sea level and floodproofing buildings.
The ordinance will affect the 38 homes already in the floodplain.
The Township Committee approved a resolution to purchase a high-lift wheel loader from Jesco, Inc. at a price of $148,820.
According to the contract with the company, the loader itself will cost $121,018, and the township will also be purchasing an options package for $27,802.