Sens. Menendez, Booker Announce $8M to Elevate Flood-Prone Homes in Cape May, Essex Counties

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2021:

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced $8,038,352.37 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to elevate flood-prone homes in Ocean City (Cape May) and Fairfield (Essex).

"Providing residents in flood-prone areas with the funding necessary to elevate their homes is a smart way to protect families, bring down the cost of flood insurance, and reduce future flood damage," said Sen. Menendez. "These critical investments will make our state more resilient and better prepared to handle the next major storm or natural disaster that comes our way."

"The elevation of flood-prone homes is an important part of New Jersey's long-term resiliency efforts and provides families much-needed peace of mind,"said Sen. Booker. "This federal investment will strengthen New Jersey communities, help mitigate against future disasters, and save lives."

* $5,002,691 will be used to elevate 22 residential properties in Fairfield to three feet above base flood elevation.

* $3,035,661.37 will be used to elevate seven multifamily residential structures, in Ocean City. The seven multifamily properties have a total of 52 units.

Both projects will reduce flooding risk to private structures, reduce emergency response costs, reduce flood insurance claims and improve the quality of life for residents.