UPDATE: Administrator Connects Flooded Residents with Relief

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.

__________________

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.