NJ Governor Phil Murphy Discusses Flood Damage and Resilience Efforts

Storm Impact and Damage Assessment

• 🌧️ Berkeley Heights and other communities in Union and Somerset counties experienced significant flooding.
• 📈 Over 6 inches of rain fell in less than two and a half hours, leading to extensive damage.
• ⚠️ Tragically, two lives were lost in New Jersey due to the flooding.

Increasing Frequency and Intensity of Storms

• ⚡ Governor Murphy emphasized that these extreme weather events are occurring more frequently, with greater intensity, and less notice.
• ⚠️ He stressed the urgent need to get ahead of these events, requiring long-term investments and common-sense measures.

Inland Flooding and Resilience Strategies

• 🌊 The primary challenge is inland flooding from rivers, not coastal issues, affecting thousands of miles of waterways.
• 🏡 New Jersey is implementing long-term plans to increase state resilience, including working with the Army Corps.
• 🏘️ The Blue Acres program is highlighted as an option for homeowners in frequently flooded areas to relocate at a fair price.

Federal Aid and FEMA Concerns

• 🚨 A state of emergency was declared to facilitate financial aid, but concerns exist regarding FEMA funding.
• 📉 Cuts to FEMA by the previous administration, including staffing and process changes, raise questions about the expected aid.
• 💰 Local towns and counties are encouraged to meticulously document all damages to meet federal support thresholds.
• 🤝 While early engagement with FEMA and the White House has been positive, the extent of federal support remains to be seen.