UPDATE: A link to flood relief information has been added to the township website. On the homepage, click on "Residential Flood Relief Information" and follow the links for information on Cost of Compliance Coverage and the Blue Acres program.
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Township administrator Frank Locantore says he's doing what he can to help residents affected by serious flooding by pointing them toward state and federal relief programs.
Locantore advised township committee earlier this week that Cinnaminson's flood hazard areas ordinance—which you can view here—is in compliance with state guidelines. However, Locantore explained that he has continued to investigate programs that could help township residents whose properties have been damaged by flooding, particularly if it's repetitive damage.
In addition to FEMA grants, Locantore said the state has a program, Blue Acres—an offshoot of the Green Acres program—through which residents in flood-prone areas can attempt to have the state purchase their property, after which it would be maintained for "recreation and conservation purposes," according to the state Department of Environmental Protection website.
"The downside to that particular program, obviously because of Hurricane Sandy, the waiting list is extremely long," Locantore explained. "But it is an option for our residents."
Locantore said he's also helped residents get information about Increased Cost of Compliance, a type of insurance coverage that "provides up to $30,000 to help cover the cost of mitigating measures that will reduce the risk of flooding" for those who meet the requirements.
He said the key issue is making sure residents have access to the information they need. Committeeman Don Brauckmann suggested Locantore put pertinent information on the township website in the form of a "blurb."
"I would like to make sure people can get this information," said Brauckmann.
Locantore didn't explicitly state whether he would use the township website, but said, "As I come across (information) and I think it's valuable, I'll put it out there."
Click here for Cinnaminson Patch's previous coverage of the township's flooding issues.
The irony of this - FEMA, a geovernemnt agency, the same government whose credit is not worth a hill of beans or can balance a check book to save their own hides, will turn down someone for not having "excellent" credit. That my friends is the American way according to those we have entrusted to make sure we are a stable and safe country. I wish all of you residents the best of luck because the bottom line is this: you are on your own with the exception of your neighbors, families, and friends.
I would like to know WHO was suppose to relay this info to us years ago? I filed an ICC claim, still haven't received approval or denial. One thing I do know is that there is a timeframe for filing. If I am denied because dates have passed and I missed that opportunity window because the township doesn't know it's job... Hhhmm!
You may want to have the township look into the "Block Grants Program" which is a program only the township can apply for to help residents with the uninsured portion of your loss. I am not sue if that program would apply to this area but the shore areas have applied to FEMA for this program.