WASHINGTON – Federal funds that could be used to buy out residential, flood-prone properties in New Jersey moved one step forward today.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, (D-NJ), who serves on the subcommittee, said the voluntary buyouts will help move families out of the flood zone and create more open space for natural flood plains.
“Buying out homes from voluntary sellers will remove families from harm’s way, create more open space for natural flood plains and mitigate expenses caused by flooding in the Passaic River Basin,” Lautenberg said in a statement.
“Buyouts are just one part of a larger effort to protect families who suffer from repeated floods. I am pleased that we were able to advance these buyouts on the first day back in session and I look forward to working to make sure New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities are better prepared.”
The measure, which the full Senate Appropriations Committee will review on Wednesday, also funds two key Army Corps of Engineers flood mitigation projects in the state.
The allocation includes $6 million for the Raritan River Basin Green Brook Sub-Basin project and $570,000 for the Passaic River Flood Warning Systems.
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