[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column el_class=”mobile-carousel-padding pb-sm-0″][vc_single_image image=”3862″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_raw_html css=””]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Since its inception in 1995, DEP Blue Acres has worked to better protect public safety and the environment by relocating New Jersey families whose homes are subject to repeated flooding and acquiring property for use as natural flood storage, parks, and community open space.<\/p>\n
Today, DEP Blue Acres has two core missions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n Discover how New Jersey families are finding safety after devastating floods with Blue Acres.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n This video, released for Flood Safety Week<\/a>, shares the powerful stories of three Blue Acres homeowners and highlights the support provided by Blue Acres case managers throughout the buyout process.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PT7qS6CcuPQ” el_width=”80″ align=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Homeowners, sell land to DEP” buttontitle=”Get started” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/homeowners\/” bgimg=”294″][\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Frequently asked questions” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/faq\/” bgimg=”291″][\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Need help?” buttontitle=”Contact us” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/contact-us\/” bgimg=”289″][\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”42px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-cake-candles” title=”Celebrating 30 Years of Blue Acres!” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/blue-acres-celebrates-30-years\/” targetlink=”true”]<\/p>\n On November 7th, Blue Acres celebrated the 30<\/span>th<\/span> anniversary of New Jerseyans voting in favor of its creation! Approved by the legislature in August 1995, the \u201cGreen Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Blue Acres Bond Act\u201d allocated<\/span> $30 million to fund the new \u201ccoastal Blue Acres\u201d and \u201cinland Blue Acres\u201d grant programs. Over the past three decades, Blue Acres has evolved from a subset of the Green Acres Program into the unique program it is today.<\/span><\/p>\n From the earliest flood mitigation buyouts in Lincoln Park to hitting the 1,200th program acquisition this year, Blue Acres continues to grow its capacity. These buyouts represent 1,200 families given the opportunity to safely relocate and 360 acres preserved as natural flood storage and public open space statewide. Today, Blue Acres continues to advance its mission of safeguarding people and property from repeat flooding while looking to proactively combat future flood threats.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-bullhorn” title=”Study Shows NJ Buyouts Saved Twice Their Cost in Flood Damages” buttonlink=”https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/b453bd3d08bc405d8c0fcfe68a8d6c08″ targetlink=”true”]A recent analysis of a 2002 Blue Acres buyout project in Manville’s Lost Valley neighborhood found that the effort has already saved more than twice its cost in avoided flood damages. The study- believed to be New Jersey’s first Loss Avoidance Study- evaluated 37 homes purchased before three major floods and highlights the long-term financial and risk-reduction benefits of proactive flood mitigation.<\/p>\n This summer, Princeton Internships in Civil Service (PICS) intern David Roessler partnered with Blue Acres to conduct the study, which assessed the impacts of storms following Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Using an interactive StoryMap, David guides readers through the methodology and findings, offering a compelling case for continued investment in climate resilience.<\/p>\n Explore the full StoryMap, including maps, photos, and technical details here<\/a>.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-bullhorn” title=”Blue Acres Responds to July Flooding – Consultation Events and Initial Funding Approvals” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/blue-acres-responds-to-july-flooding-consultation-events-and-initial-funding-approvals\/” targetlink=”true”]Following the severe flash flooding on July 14, for which Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency, Blue Acres held five outreach sessions in August to inform affected homeowners about the voluntary flood buyout process. These one-on-one consultations allowed residents to receive personalized guidance.<\/p>\n As a result of applications submitted after the flood, New Jersey has approved 18 state-funded Blue Acres buyouts<\/strong> for the most severely impacted properties. Many of these homes were deemed substantially damaged or unsafe, displacing families and making them top priorities for acquisition.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-bullhorn” title=”Blue Acres Partners with NRCS for $6.7M in Voluntary Buyouts” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/murphy-administration-partners-with-usda-to-launch-buyouts-of-flood-prone-properties-in-cranford\/” targetlink=”true”]The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program has provided $3.5 million for voluntary buyouts in Cranford<\/a> and approved an additional plan for $3.2 million for buyouts in East Hanover and South Plainfield<\/a>. This buyout funding comes in response to multiple damaging flood events that have impacted the project areas in recent years, including Hurricane Ida in 2021 and flooding during the winter of 2023-2024. Participating homeowners are already working with Blue Acres case managers. Once acquired, these properties will be cleared of manmade structures and restored to provide natural flood mitigation benefits.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”42px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-newspaper” title=”Inside Climate News Report: NJ Blue Acres is a National Model” buttonlink=”https:\/\/insideclimatenews.org\/news\/25122025\/new-jersey-flood-prone-homes-buyout-program\/”]Inside Climate News: December 25, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n On December 25, 2025, Inside Climate News<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 a\u00a0<\/span>non-profit, non-partisan climate newsroom<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 posted\u00a0<\/span>an in-depth look at Blue Acres as a national model for flood buyouts.\u00a0<\/span>Interspersed with personal accounts of historic flood events in Manville\u00a0<\/span>and Lambertville<\/span>\u00a0(two towns where Blue Acres has conducted large-scale buyout initiatives), the article\u00a0<\/span>highlights Blue Acres\u2019 unique approaches to funding, engaging homeowners,\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>planning for the future<\/span>\u00a0in the nation\u2019s most populous s<\/span>tate. Read th<\/span>e full article\u00a0<\/span><\/span>here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fas fa-newspaper” title=”Murphy Administration Partners with USDA to Launch Buyouts of Flood-Prone Property in Cranford” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/murphy-administration-partners-with-usda-to-launch-buyouts-of-flood-prone-properties-in-cranford\/”]NJDEP, NJ.com: November 26, 2024<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The NJ DEP Blue Acres program is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a $3.5 million initiative to buy out homes at high risk of flooding in Cranford Township, focusing on properties near Orchard Brook. Funded entirely by the USDA\u2019s Emergency Watershed Protection program, the project expands New Jersey\u2019s recovery efforts from Hurricane Ida, complementing FEMA and HUD-funded initiatives.<\/p>\n The program will transform purchased properties into open space to reduce flood risks, create recreational opportunities, and enhance local ecosystems, emphasizing a proactive approach to building flood-resilient communities.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fas fa-newspaper” title=”Floodplain Success: New Jersey Towns Limit Development Despite Pressures” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/floodplain-success-new-jersey-towns-limit-development-despite-pressures\/”]EOS <\/em>Magazine: October 30, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n An article from EOS<\/em> highlights a recent study by A.R. Siders, examining how New Jersey, one of the most flood-prone states in the U.S., has minimized floodplain development despite climate change and housing demands. The study reveals that 85% of towns in New Jersey have reduced new construction in floodplains over the past 20 years through consistent application of land use management tools.<\/p>\n While floodplain development still occurs, it is happening less frequently than expected. Overall, the study underscores the critical role of local decision-making in floodplain management and New Jersey\u2019s commitment to adapting to a changing climate while ensuring community safety and resilience.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fas fa-newspaper” title=”Home buyout programs adapt to worsening flood risks” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/home-buyout-programs-adapt-to-worsening-flood-risks\/” targetlink=”true”]Grid<\/em> Magazine: September 01, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n As southeastern Pennsylvania grapples with worsening flood risks, Grid<\/em> Magazine highlights New Jersey\u2019s Blue Acres program as a model for effective flood mitigation. The program\u2019s success is attributed to consistent state and federal funding, faster processing times, and comprehensive homeowner support, making it a standout example for other regions.<\/p>\n As Philadelphia and neighboring areas face rising flood risks and logistical challenges in developing their own buyout programs, Blue Acres serves as a blueprint for proactive flood risk management. Its approach provides a clear path forward for communities struggling to protect residents and adapt to climate change.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1660670649848{background-color: #d9e5fb !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_id=”email”]<\/p>\n Join the Blue Acres email list by providing your email address in the box below and you will get updates and alerts about Blue Acres progress, buyout funding, climate resilience planning, and related events. \u00a0This is a free service, and you can unsubscribe at any time.<\/p>\n\n
Choosing Safety: Real Experiences with DEP’s Blue Acres Program<\/h2>\n
Program Alerts & Updates<\/h2>\n
Press & Publications<\/h2>\n
Looking for something else? Check our resources page<\/a> for past announcements, archived newsletters, and more!<\/h5>\n
Don\u2019t Miss a Blue Acres Update<\/strong><\/h3>\n