By John Burton
TRENTON – The Christie Administration announced it will be making $100 million in grants available to owners looking to elevate their homes, offering some protection from future storms.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program’s elevation program will be available to homeowners in nine counties, including Monmouth, that were hit the hardest by Super Storm Sandy last October.
Eligible homeowners could receive up to $30,000 in reimbursements to assist them, as raising homes could both lower the risk of future flood damage and reduce flood insurance premiums, according to the governor’s office.
The program is using money the state has received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but FEMA registration is not required and there is no income requirement.
The program is limited to homes located in the 100-year floodplain in the nine counties, but would exclude homeowners targeted for state’s Home Mitigation Grant Program acquisition program.
Those interested in the program can apply online at www.renewjerseystronger.org; by phone at 1-855-SANDYHM (1-800-726-3946); or in person at a county housing recovery center, which in Monmouth County is located at 3 Paragon Way, Suite 50, Freehold.
