Flooded N.J. homeowners in limbo awaiting buyout offers

    Hundreds of New Jersey property owners whose houses were extensively flooded during Superstorm Sandy are waiting to hear how much they’ll be offered to move out of harm’s way.

    Gov. Chris Christie announced plans to accelerate the home buyout program after the October’s storm by asking the federal government to help cover costs.

    Some 1,300 homes in tidal areas and the Passaic River basin are targeted at a cost of $300 million.The first of more than 270 eligible homes are in two Middlesex County towns that chronically flood.

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    Sayreville business administration Dan Frankel says more than 50 residents have gotten buyout offers from the low 200s to the low-300s. Eleven have accepted so far.

    In nearby South River, appraisers are making their way through nearly 80 homes.

    The Department of Environmental Protection anticipates making buyout offers to those property owners soon.

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