In response to significant flash flooding on July 14 (for which Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency), Blue Acres hosted outreach events in August to provide information about the voluntary flood buyout process with impacted homeowners. These five consultation sessions served as opportunities for members of impacted communities to speak one-on-one with Blue Acres staff, receiving information on the voluntary buyout process based upon their individual circumstances.

Across the three in-person events (hosted in partnership with the Boroughs of Dunellen and North Plainfield and the City of Rahway) and two virtual events, Blue Acres engaged 99 participants from more than a dozen municipalities. Of the 80+ new voluntary buyout applications received since July 14, 2025, nearly 50% came from homeowners who attended a consultation session in August. Blue Acres continues to accept applications and is now working to determine funding priorities based on intake reports. 

From Outreach to Action: State-Funded Buyouts Approved 

In response to the flood buyout applications received as a result of the July 14 flash flood, the State of New Jersey has now approved 18 state-funded Blue Acres buyouts for properties most severely impacted. Most of these homes were deemed substantially damaged or unsafe, leaving many families displaced entirely, making them priorities for voluntary acquisition through the Blue Acres Program with state funding. 

The approved properties span several communities that experienced record rainfall and flash flooding, leading to widespread damage and displacement. The buyouts will allow homeowners to relocate to safer areas, while the acquired properties will be restored to open space to help reduce future flood risk. 

What is “Substantial Damage”? 

A property is considered substantially damaged when the cost to repair it equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s pre-damage market value. This determination is made by local floodplain administrators or building officials based on FEMA guidelines. 

When a home is substantially damaged, local ordinances and federal regulations may require that it be brought into compliance with current floodplain management standards—often a costly and impractical undertaking. In these cases, a Blue Acres buyout offers a safer, more sustainable alternative. 

What Happens Next? 

Homeowners approved for buyouts will be contacted by Blue Acres case managers to begin the next steps in the buyout process. Blue Acres remains committed to helping New Jersey families recover from this disaster and build resilience for the future. Blue Acres will be requesting additional state funding this fall to help more families relocate out of harm’s way.  

For more information about the Blue Acres Program, visit https://deptest.nj.gov/blueacres.