NJ Organizing Project/Ventnor has received $3 million in FEMA funding to address resiliency against future storms.
VENTNOR The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded three grants to the city totaling more than $3 million to help protect the city from future storms.
The city has been aggressive in making improvements to reduce future flooding, Mayor Beth Holtzman said in a release, thanking FEMA for working with the city.
A $154,000 grant was awarded to survey and develop engineering solutions in a section of Ventnor Heights that frequently floods. The study area extends from Balfour Avenue to the Dorset Avenue Bridge.
This grant will allow us to focus on the on a neighborhood in Ventnor Heights that has flooding issues and to develop a plan for future improvements, Commissioner Lance Landgraf said.
A $2.85 million grant was awarded to assist 17 homeowners who wish to raise their homes out of harm's way. The grant reimburses 75% of the FEMA eligible costs and matching funds are provided by the homeowners. There is no cost to the city for this program.
In cooperation with the other coastal communities in the area, the city applies annually for FEMA funds to elevate homes. This grant program is only available for properties that are insured through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The FEMA grant reimburses the property owners once the elevation project is completed in full compliance with federal, state and local requirements. Properties mitigated using this grant are required to maintain flood insurance through the NFIP in perpetuity.
Over 100 homes in Ventnor have been elevated since Superstorm Sandy, Commissioner Tim Kriebel said. Elevating homes not only helps the homeowner, but it improves property values and the overall quality of life in the city.
A third FEMA grant totaling $25,000 was awarded to the city for a citywide flood mitigation plan. The city plans to evaluate many of the flood prone areas of the city and develop action plans that address flooding issues.
This activity will result in credit towards the city's Community Rating System designation, which provides flood insurance discounts for local property owners. Ventnor currently enjoys a Class 5 designation, which results in a 25% discount for all homeowners who have flood insurance through the NFIP. The city is working towards achieving a Class 4 designation, which provides a 30% discount to property owners.
More than 4,300 property owners in Ventnor have flood insurance policies through the NFIP. These policies insure almost $1 billion worth of property and Ventnor property owners pay more than $3.4 million in premiums annually.
