Politics & Government

Op-Ed: Senator Gordon Pushes for More Flood Relief Efforts

Submitted by District 38 Senator Bob Gordon 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, there has been an increased focus on the urgent need to get residents living in flood-prone areas out of harm’s way. This is a critical issue in Sandy-ravaged communities, but also in towns like Lodi, Saddle Brook, New Milford and Rochelle Park, where residents know all too well the devastation that comes with more frequently occurring 100-year storms. 

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee wreaked havoc on communities in Bergen County, putting entire sections of towns under water and causing widespread destruction to businesses and homes. And while many residents looking to relocate still are in need of financial help, the state fund used to buy out homes in flood-prone areas has run dry.

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Last week, the Senate voted on bipartisan legislation I sponsored along with Senators Bob Smith, Kip Bateman and Jim Whelan that would have allowed voters to decide this November on a plan to replenish the Green and Blue Acres funds, used to preserve open space, farmland, historic sites and to acquire flood-prone land.

Sadly, the measure failed to gain the required three-fifths vote for the referendum to go on the ballot this year. Nine Republicans who voted in favor of a similar – but more ambitious – preservation plan just weeks ago, withdrew their support. 

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The Republicans’ refusal to vote for the bill, and to allow voters a chance this year to weigh in on the issue, is extremely disappointing. Our preservation program is in dire straits and funding for land acquisitions has been depleted. What’s more is that public support for these programs has historically been high.

Since 1961, voters have approved 13 ballot initiatives to fund the programs, which has allowed for the preservation of 640,000 acres of open space, as well as outdoor recreational facilities and properties that have incurred damage or may be vulnerable to damage from storm-related flooding.

The measure we considered would dedicate $200 million annually from the existing sales and use tax. No new taxes would be necessary. The dedicated revenue would create a permanent and stable source of funding for our open space program for 30 years. And it would supplement the $300 million in federal money recently provided to the state to buy out flood-prone homes from willing sellers, at a time when it is so desperately needed.

Just as essential, the plan would ensure a long-term funding mechanism to keep the Blue Acres program operating. This is all the more important in a post-Sandy era when many homeowners are looking to move out of neighborhoods that are vulnerable to flooding and rebuild their lives in safer locations. And it is vital for those living in the 38th District and in other locations plagued by chronic flood problems, where residents are forced to endure devastating flooding almost annually.

Despite the lack of support from Republicans, we still have a chance to get this question on the ballot in 2014. I will continue the push forward in this effort. The bottom line is that we have to replenish funding for these vital programs in order to provide assistance to homeowners and to safeguard residents against future storms. 

District 38 represents parts of Bergen and Passaic counties including Hasbrouck Heights, Paramus, Fair Lawn, New Milford, Oradell and River Edge. 


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