NJ Blue Acres: Buy-out Program Webinar

Overview:

Learn about our neighbors to the east (New Jersey) Blue Acres buy-out program. 

On an annual basis, there are approximately 450 active negotiations pending across the State of New Jersey. In addition, in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, she operationalized and continues to direct the State Blue Acres Buyout Program, which purchases flood-prone properties from homeowners at pre-storm value; these structures are then demolished and the land is restored for conservation and flood mitigation purposes. The presenter and her team have secured more than $300 million through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enabling the Blue Acres program to assist approximately 1,174 families in 19 separate communities in 10 different Counties. Since its inception in May 2013, the Blue Acres Program has assisted in moving 740 families out of harm’s way. The Program has demolished 697 of those homes to date.

On June 26, 2019, Governor Murphy signed P.L.2019,c.136, which established funding allocations for constitutionally dedicated Corporate Business Tax (CBT) revenues. This permanent and stable funding source from the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) will enable the Blue Acres Program to continue to leverage federal dollars for continued flood buyouts into the future.

Presenter: Fawn McGee

Director, NJDEP Blue Acres Buyout Program &

Bureau Chief, State Land Acquisition

For questions: flood@pafpm.org