Robert Menendez

Lautenberg, Menendez Announce More than $3.3 Million to Purchase Flood-Prone Homes in Monmouth County

September 19, 2012

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced more than $3.3 million in federal funding for voluntary home buyouts in a flood-prone housing complex for senior citizens in Ocean Township.  The funding, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will be used to acquire and demolish eight sections of a seniors apartment complex that has been repeatedly damaged by floods.  Built in 1970, the complex will be completely removed and the area will be restored to its natural environment.
 
“This federal funding will help New Jersey seniors living in a flood prone neighborhood move out of harm’s way,” said Senator Lautenberg, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds FEMA.  “New Jersey has been battered by Hurricane Irene and other storms in recent years and this federal grant will prevent future damage and create needed open space.  We will continue to fight for disaster relief funding programs to help protect New Jerseyans from dangerous and costly flooding.”
 
“Every year, seniors living in the flood prone area of Ocean Township face the painful consequences of flood damage,” said Menendez. “This funding will help them relocate to safer neighborhoods by allowing for the purchase of their properties.  As we work toward long term solutions to the chronic flooding that affects our state, we must do all we can to keep our residents safe.”

                                                       ###