N.J. towns get break on insurance by exceeding federal flood-control standards
The view of storm damage over the Atlantic Coast in Seaside Heights, N.J., Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, Pool)
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is encouraging more New Jersey towns to participate in a program that could offer residents a break on their flood insurance costs.
The program rates towns on community-wide floodplain-management measures that exceed federal minimum standards.
Stone Harbor has fulfilled requirements that led to a 25 percent discount in flood insurance premiums for homeowners, said Mayor Suzanne Walters.
“We have beach replenishment and back-bay dredging, and we’ve done our drainage. We’ve taken our outfall pipe off the beach,” she said. “There’s a number of different things that we’ve done in order to get that rating.”
About five dozen New Jersey towns now participate in the Community Rating System.
At a Thursday workshop in Brick Township, Menendez told municipal officials from around the state that it’s not just a benefit for homeowners.
“In my mind, it’s truly a win-win for everyone involved,” Menendez said. “Homeowners get discounts on their flood insurance premiums, FEMA gets to reduce risk and exposure to the National Flood Insurance Program.”
Phthalates in consumer products may affect important pregnancy hormone, study finds
Rutgers scientists say exposure to the chemicals, found in plastics, nail polish and fast food, may disrupt the hormone that signals when to give birth.
14 hours ago
Fighting to be ‘an independent voice’ in Camden politics: Behind the #IMWITHER coalition
The inside story of three women who’ve formed a coalition on Camden City Council to challenge the South Jersey Democratic machine — and what’s at stake for the city.
3 days ago
N.J. requires COVID-19 vaccine for health care workers, ending test option
The order means health care workers who are unvaccinated will have until Jan. 27 to get their first shot and until Feb. 28 for the second.
4 days ago
