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The one-stop shop for Blue Acres’ growing collection of tools, guides, and research supporting buyout programs and floodplain restoration. These resources, which can be found elsewhere on our website, have been developed by Blue Acres and our trusted federal, academic, and community partners.

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Tools & Resources

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Blue Acres Basics

Blue Acres Overview and Steps to Buyout Closing — This recorded presentation provides program background and the steps to closing for homeowners approved by Blue Acres for a buyout.

Understanding Duplication of Benefits (DOB)  — This flowchart helps homeowners understand how disaster assistance they received, like flood insurance payouts or grants from FEMA, may or may not factor into their Blue Acres purchase price calculation.

Closing Procedures & Choosing an (optional) Attorney:
Blue Acres Contracts And Closings : — Frequently asked questions about the processes and costs of closing the sale to Blue Acres.
Shopping for a Real Estate Attorney : — Guidance for homeowners who are looking for a real estate attorney to represent them in the sale to Blue Acres.

Local Government Partners:

For Blue Acres program basics, please see our Blue Acres Flyer for Local Government Partners.

If homeowners in your municipality have questions, please feel free share our Blue Acres Flyer for Interested Homeowners, or direct them to the Blue Acres website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-hand-holding-dollar” add_icon=”true” title=”Grant-Specific Resources for Homeowners” tab_id=”1762782445719-cba32428-3e17″][vc_column_text css=””]

Grant-Specific Resources for Homeowners

Has your potential funding source already been identified to you by a Blue Acres specialist? If so, select the option below to better understand the priorities and requirements associated with your grant.

Homeowners with questions about completing or submitting their forms should contact their dedicated Blue Acres Case Manager. If you have not been assigned a Case Manager, please call 609-940-4140 with questions; you may scan and email completed forms (with original signatures) to BlueAcres@deptest.nj.gov or return them via post mail to:

NJDEP Blue Acres
401 E. State St.
PO Box 420, Mail Code 401-07B
Trenton, NJ 08625

You will receive confirmation that your forms were submitted successfully.[/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”FEMA FMA Swift Current 2022 (Manville-specific)” css=””]

The below forms are intended ONLY for homeowners who have been notified by Blue Acres that they were approved for a potential buyout through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program’s Swift Current initiative.

Please Note: If you are approved for a buyout under a FEMA FMA grant, your property must maintain its policy with the NFIP throughout the buyout process. If you have private flood insurance, you can ask your provider’s representative if your policy is underwritten by the NFIP. FEMA offers Group Flood Insurance Policies to individuals who do not have flood insurance and have received assistance from FEMA after a presidentially declared disaster strikes.

FORM: FEMA Citizenship Declaration and Release  — This form requests citizenship status and basic homeowner information. Only one form is required per property. The following three fields can be left blank: Inspector ID #, FEMA Application #, and Disaster #.

FORM: FEMA Notice of Voluntary Interest  — This form requests basic homeowner information and requires signatures and dates from everyone with an ownership interest in the property.

FORM: Right-of-Entry and Release of Information  — This form authorizes DEP and its partners the right to access your buyout property to perform critical buyout steps such as appraisal, survey, environmental hazard inspections, etc.

FORM: FEMA Release of Information Authorization  — This form authorizes FEMA to release information about disaster assistance received by the property owner.

FORM: Hazard Questionnaire  — This form requests basic information regarding the property’s utilities, past and present structures, and past and present land uses. If the homeowner is unsure about certain questions, they can leave the answer blank.

FORM: No Tenants Verification Affidavit  — This form allows homeowners to verify that no tenants reside at the buyout property. If homeowners have tenants, they should not complete this form. Note: The presence or absence of tenants will not affect your eligibility for a Blue Acres buyout.

FORM: Language Services Request  — Blue Acres will try to provide free language services for limited or non-English speakers who would like these services. Depending on the language requested, we can try to provide oral interpretation and/or written translation.

FORM: Media Waiver and Release  – This form is voluntary and allows homeowners to be potentially contacted by NJDEP and asked to share their experience navigating the Blue Acres buyout program.

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The below forms are intended ONLY for homeowners who have been notified by Blue Acres that they were approved for a potential buyout through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) under DR-4488-NJ. DEP applied for these funds 11/30/2022.

FORM: FEMA Citizenship Declaration and Release  — This form requests citizenship status and basic homeowner information. Only one form is required per property. The following three fields can be left blank: Inspector ID #, FEMA Application #, and Disaster #.

FORM: FEMA Notice of Voluntary Interest  — This form requests basic homeowner information and requires signatures and dates from everyone with an ownership interest in the property.

FORM: Right-of-Entry and Release of Information  — This form authorizes DEP and its partners the right to access your buyout property to perform critical buyout steps such as appraisal, survey, environmental hazard inspections, etc.

FORM: FEMA Release of Information Authorization  — This form authorizes FEMA to release information about disaster assistance received by the property owner.

FORM: Hazard Questionnaire  — This form requests basic information regarding the property’s utilities, past and present structures, and past and present land uses. If the homeowner is unsure about certain questions, they can leave the answer blank.

FORM: No Tenants Verification Affidavit  — This form allows homeowners to verify that no tenants reside at the buyout property. If homeowners have tenants, they should not complete this form. Note: The presence or absence of tenants will not affect your eligibility for a Blue Acres buyout.

FORM: Language Services Request  — Blue Acres will try to provide free language services for limited or non-English speakers who would like these services. Depending on the language requested, we can try to provide oral interpretation and/or written translation.

FORM: Media Waiver and Release  – This form is voluntary and allows homeowners to be potentially contacted by NJDEP and asked to share their experience navigating the Blue Acres buyout program.

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Authorized homeowners are invited via email to complete the HUD Buyout Eligibility Application online. Blue Acres staff are available to directly assist homeowners with application questions and concerns. 

Learn more about the Blue Acres CDBG-DR program and learn how Blue Acres prepared for the launch of the HUD Buyout Eligibility Application.

FORM: Permission to Access Applicant Info – This form allows homeowners to grant permission for specific information related to their application for a HUD-funded buyout to be shared with designated individuals or agencies, while also providing the option to revoke previously granted permission.

FORM: Income Certification  – This forms allows homeowners to certify their household size and household income which are used to determine eligibility for HUD-funded buyouts and incentives. Only complete and return this form if you have been advised to do so by Blue Acres staff.

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”NRCS EWPP” css=””]The below forms are intended ONLY for homeowners who have been notified by Blue Acres that they were approved for a potential buyout through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) grant.

FORM: NRCS Citizenship Declaration and Release  — This form requests citizenship status and basic homeowner information. Only one form is required per property.

FORM: NRCS Notice of Voluntary Interest  — This form requests basic homeowner information and requires signatures and dates from everyone with an ownership interest in the property.

FORM: Right-of-Entry and Release of Information  — This form authorizes DEP and its partners the right to access your buyout property to perform critical buyout steps such as appraisal, survey, environmental hazard inspections, etc.

FORM: Hazard Questionnaire  — This form requests basic information regarding the property’s utilities, past and present structures, and past and present land uses. If the homeowner is unsure about certain questions, they can leave the answer blank.

FORM: No Tenants Verification Affidavit  — This form allows homeowners to verify that no tenants reside at the buyout property. If homeowners have tenants, they should not complete this form. Note: The presence or absence of tenants will not affect your eligibility for a Blue Acres buyout.

FORM: Language Services Request  — Blue Acres will try to provide free language services for limited or non-English speakers who would like these services. Depending on the language requested, we can try to provide oral interpretation and/or written translation.

FORM: Media Waiver and Release  – This form is voluntary and allows homeowners to be potentially contacted by NJDEP and asked to share their experience navigating the Blue Acres buyout program.[/vc_toggle][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-house-flood-water” add_icon=”true” title=”Flood Risk & Recovery” tab_id=”1760449558510-3e7544f2-dbf3″][vc_column_text css=””]

Flood Risk & Recovery

To learn about your home’s flood risk, visit the NJ Flood Mapper tool and turn on the “FEMA Flood Zones” Flood Hazard layer: Home Page | NJFloodMapper

Floodplain Buyouts: An Action Guide for Local Governments on How to Maximize Community Benefits, Habitat Connectivity, and Resilience (2017) was produced by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and serves as a valuable tool for local governments considering floodplain buyouts as a response to flood risk. More information is available here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-seedling” add_icon=”true” title=”Floodplain Restoration” tab_id=”1760449531119-7e75635a-3578″][vc_column_text css=””]

Floodplain Restoration

New Jersey Nature-Based Solutions reference guide (2025) | In collaboration with The Nature Center, the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers University details the existing knowledge related to planning, implementing, and understanding the benefits vs. costs of nature-based solutions. Jump to Page 65 to read about the Blue Acres acquisitions in Linden, or to page 82 to learn about restoration work at Woodbridge Blue Acres parcels.

Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Management Field Guide (2024) | Find out more about the guide here.

The Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Use Considerations Handout (2025) provides a brief overview of permissible land uses and strategies with real-world examples of repurposed properties.

Concept Design Samples for Blue Acres Sites (2025) developed in partnership with students at the Rutgers Department of Landscape Architecture.

Creating Flood-Resilient Landscapes: A Primer for New Jersey Communities (2023) | Read more about this primer, created by Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and South Dakota State University School of Design (and funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute), here.

Open Space Success Story: the Watson-Crampton Neighborhood Plan is a successful example of resilience in a Superstorm Sandy-damaged Woodbridge neighborhood. Blue Acres began the buyout process here in 2014, and a Post Sandy Planning Assistance grant administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs allowed Woodbridge to work with Heyer, Gruel and Associates to create their concept plan based on neighborhood characteristics and strategic recommendations. Tangible results are visible at the site today.

FEMA Model Deed Restriction (2023) | For Blue Acres properties acquired with federal funds, the model deed restriction provides insight into compatible land use, transfer of property, monitoring & enforcement, and other key provisions.

Local Government Partners: To request permission for any proposed activities on NJDEP property, including Blue Acres-owned land, please submit a Request for Use of NJDEP Property Form. Please be sure to indicate Blue Acres involvement and your program contact, if applicable, in Section V. Project History.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-clipboard-question” add_icon=”true” title=”Special Projects” tab_id=”1760449199382-930e1cb5-0f8b”][vc_column_text css=””]

Special Projects

The Cost Effectiveness of Buyouts | Created by David Roessler, Blue Acres’ 2025 Summer Princeton Internships in Civil Service (PICS) intern, this loss avoidance study evaluated 37 homes in Manville’s Lost Valley. David’s StoryMap guides readers through his methodology and findings and highlights the long-term financial and risk-reduction benefits of proactive flood mitigation.

Navigating Risk: Flooding & Mitigation in Manville, NJ | Summer 2024 Rutgers SPARK intern Maham Khurshid created this StoryMap to educate the community on Manville Borough’s Flood Risk Reduction Policy, and to help homeowners understand the implications for properties that fall within the designated Disaster Risk Reduction Area (DRRA).

Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Management Field Guide | Summer 2024 Rowan University SPARK intern Lauren Schneider developed this guide with local governments and other stakeholders in mind. Lauren’s guide provides an overview of natural floodplain functions, authorized uses of Blue Acres properties, and strategies for managing encroachments on State-owned lands.

Where Are Blue Acres Properties in NJ? | Created by Rutgers Bloustein graduate student Niru Vidyarthi, this interactive map shows all State- and municipally owned flood buyout properties statewide, utilizing NJ State GIS data.

25% of all NJ Affordable Housing is at Flood Risk | This analysis by Blue Acres Summer 2023 PICS intern Maddy Heyler delves into the overlap in affordable housing in New Jersey and the state’s flood-prone areas, showcasing the impacts to overburdened communities.

Blue Acres Purchases (through 2024) | This gif, created by Princeton Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment (CPREE) graduate student Melissa O. Tier, maps annual Blue Acres buyouts across the span of the program.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-map-location-dot” add_icon=”true” title=”Manville-Specific Resources” tab_id=”1764077408760-10d4a27d-18d6″][vc_column_text css=””]

Manville-Specific Resources

Find out about Manville’s Flood Risk Reduction Policy and the Disaster Risk Reduction Areas (DRRA).

The Cost Effectiveness of Buyouts | Created by David Roessler, Blue Acres’ 2025 Summer Princeton Internships in Civil Service (PICS) intern, this loss avoidance study evaluated 37 homes in Manville’s Lost Valley. David’s StoryMap guides readers through his methodology and findings and highlights the long-term financial and risk-reduction benefits of proactive flood mitigation.

Navigating Risk: Flooding & Mitigation in Manville, NJ | Summer 2024 Rutgers SPARK intern Maham Khurshid created this StoryMap to educate the community on Manville Borough’s Flood Risk Reduction Policy, and to help homeowners understand the implications for properties that fall within the designated Disaster Risk Reduction Area (DRRA).[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tour][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]

Archives

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Archived Program Alerts (newest to oldest)

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Website Publications (newest to oldest)

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Archived Newsletters (newest to oldest)

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