Pascrell Anounces House Approval Of $5 Million To Purchase Wayne And Pompton Lakes Homes In Passaic River Flood Plain
WASHINGTON, DC – October 2, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today announced that the House of Representatives voted to approve the final Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which includes $5 million for the purchase of approximately 30 homes in Wayne and Pompton Lakes located in the Passaic River basin. While the funding amount has been decided, the bill now moves to the U.S. Senate and will be later signed by the president.
“I am thrilled by the support of my congressional colleagues who voted in favor of funding the full $5 million earmark to provide an additional option these troubled homeowners,” said Pascrell, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee who pushed for the funding. “I’m looking forward to the government’s purchase of the homes from owners who want to sell their property. I’m especially looking forward to the restoration of the overdeveloped floodplain that will make the river safer for everyone.”
Wayne Mayor Christopher Vergano noted that previous federal earmarks have allowed 80 homes to be purchased in the township’s extremely flood-prone Hoffman Grove section.
“We are extremely pleased that the congressman has been able to assist our residents,” said Vergano. “This funding will continue to assist us in the purchase of homes in this area, as well as reduce the instances that police and fire personnel have to put themselves in harm’s way as they respond to residents in danger in this area.”
“Flooding is a big concern in Pompton Lakes,” said Katie Cole, the borough’s mayor, who said at least a dozen homes in the borough have been bought with the federal government’s previous aid. “We appreciate the support the congressman has shown our community. The assistance in the buyout is tremendous as it helps us move residents out of dangerous conditions along the Ramapo River.”
The Passaic River Basin Flood Management project is an Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) program that involves the acquisition and removal of homes that are subject to frequent flood damage and are located within the state-defined floodway. Passaic County municipalities eligible to participate in the buyout program this year are Wayne and Pompton Lakes.
USACE and the project’s non-federal sponsor, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are expected to execute a project cooperation agreement and initiate buyouts later this year.
Government purchasing of flood-prone properties in Passaic County began after a meeting was held in September 2005 to solicit public interest in the buyouts and attract voluntary sellers.
For Information Contact
Paul Brubaker (973) 523-5152
