New Jersey officials look to raise homes in floodplain

November 08, 2011
By: Jana Bell

Local officials in Pequannock Township, New Jersey, are working on physically raising many of the homes currently sitting in the floodplain.

Earlier this year, the township contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency in relation to a $2.2 million grant which would help elevate 17 homes, Suburban Trends reports. In addition, officials are working to revise zoning laws to allow for homes to be higher than 32 feet - the current maximum.

"This is something that must be done, has to be done, should have been done earlier," said Mayor Rich Phelan, the source reports. "Let’s get it moving forward."

Officials added that residents who have suffered flood damage multiple times in recent years and have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program may qualify for assistance in raising their homes through the NFIPs Increased Cost of Compliance coverage.

The area has seen repeated flooding this year. Following Hurricane Irene, officials said the town became "almost an island" when the Pompton River crested more than 9 feet above flood stage, setting a new all-time record. That followed yet another flood in March that affected more than 1,000 properties.

For more about flood insurance you can visit: Flood Smart

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