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\u2019s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program\u2019s Swift Current initiative.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s representative if your policy is underwritten by the NFIP. FEMA offers Group Flood Insurance Policies<\/a>\u00a0to individuals who do not have flood insurance and have received assistance from FEMA after a presidentially declared disaster strikes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n FORM: FEMA Citizenship Declaration and Release\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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 #.<\/p>\n FORM: FEMA Notice of Voluntary Interest\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form requests basic homeowner information and requires signatures and dates from everyone with an ownership interest in the property.<\/p>\n FORM: Right-of-Entry and Release of Information\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n FORM: FEMA Release of Information Authorization\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form authorizes FEMA to release information about disaster assistance received by the property owner.<\/p>\n FORM: Hazard Questionnaire\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form requests basic information regarding the property\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n FORM: No Tenants Verification Affidavit\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2014 This form allows homeowners to verify that no tenants reside at the buyout property. If homeowners have tenants, they should\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0complete this form.\u00a0Note: The presence or absence of tenants will not affect your eligibility for a Blue Acres buyout.<\/em><\/p>\n FORM: Language Services Request\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n FORM: Media Waiver and Release\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”FEMA HMGP 4488 (Ida Recovery)” css=””]<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) under DR-4488-NJ.\u00a0DEP applied for these funds 11\/30\/2022<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n FORM: FEMA Citizenship Declaration and Release <\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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 #.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n FORM: FEMA Notice of Voluntary Interest\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form requests basic homeowner information and requires signatures and dates from everyone with an ownership interest in the property.<\/p>\n FORM: Right-of-Entry and Release of Information\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n FORM: FEMA Release of Information Authorization\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form authorizes FEMA to release information about disaster assistance received by the property owner.<\/p>\n FORM: Hazard Questionnaire\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form requests basic information regarding the property\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n FORM: No Tenants Verification Affidavit\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2014 This form allows homeowners to verify that no tenants reside at the buyout property. If homeowners have tenants, they should\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0complete this form.\u00a0Note: The presence or absence of tenants will not affect your eligibility for a Blue Acres buyout.<\/em><\/p>\n FORM: Language Services Request\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n FORM: Media Waiver and Release\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”HUD CDBG-DR 4614 (Ida Recovery)” css=””]<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about the Blue Acres CDBG-DR program<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0learn how Blue Acres prepared for the launch of the HUD Buyout Eligibility Application<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n FORM: Permission to Access Applicant Info<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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.<\/p>\n FORM: Income Certification\u00a0<\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 This forms allows homeowners to certify their household size and household income which are used to determine eligibility for HUD-funded buyouts and incentives.\u00a0Only complete and return this form if you have been advised to do so by Blue Acres staff.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/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.<\/strong><\/p>\n FORM: NRCS Citizenship Declaration and Release\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form requests citizenship status and basic homeowner information. Only one form is required per property.<\/p>\n FORM: NRCS Notice of Voluntary Interest\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form requests basic homeowner information and requires signatures and dates from everyone with an ownership interest in the property.<\/p>\n FORM: Right-of-Entry and Release of Information\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n FORM: Hazard Questionnaire\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 This form requests basic information regarding the property\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n FORM: No Tenants Verification Affidavit\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2014 This form allows homeowners to verify that no tenants reside at the buyout property. If homeowners have tenants, they should\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0complete this form.\u00a0Note: The presence or absence of tenants will not affect your eligibility for a Blue Acres buyout.<\/em><\/p>\n FORM: Language Services Request\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n FORM: Media Waiver and Release\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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=””]<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n Floodplain Buyouts: An Action Guide for Local Governments on How to Maximize Community Benefits, Habitat Connectivity, and Resilience<\/a> (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<\/a>.[\/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=””]<\/p>\n New Jersey Nature-Based Solutions reference guide (2025)<\/a> | 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.<\/p>\n Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Management Field Guide<\/a> (2024) | Find out more about the guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Use Considerations Handout<\/a> (2025) provides a brief overview of permissible land uses and strategies with real-world examples of repurposed properties.<\/p>\n Concept Design Samples for Blue Acres Sites<\/a> (2025) developed in partnership with students at the Rutgers Department of Landscape Architecture.<\/p>\n Creating Flood-Resilient Landscapes: A Primer for New Jersey Communities<\/a> (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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Open Space Success Story: the Watson-Crampton Neighborhood Plan<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n FEMA Model Deed Restriction<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n Local Government Partners: <\/strong>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<\/a>. Please be sure to indicate Blue Acres involvement and your program contact, if applicable, in Section V. Project History<\/em>.[\/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=””]<\/p>\n The Cost Effectiveness of Buyouts<\/a> | 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\u00a0highlights the long-term financial and risk-reduction benefits of proactive flood mitigation.<\/p>\n Navigating Risk: Flooding & Mitigation in Manville, NJ<\/a> | 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).<\/p>\n Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Management Field Guide<\/a> | 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.<\/p>\n Where Are Blue Acres Properties in NJ?<\/a> | 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.<\/p>\n 25% of all NJ Affordable Housing is at Flood Risk<\/a> | 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.<\/p>\n Blue Acres Purchases (through 2024)<\/a> | 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=””]<\/p>\n Find out about Manville’s Flood Risk Reduction Policy<\/a> and the Disaster Risk Reduction Areas (DRRA).<\/p>\n The Cost Effectiveness of Buyouts<\/a> | 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\u00a0highlights the long-term financial and risk-reduction benefits of proactive flood mitigation.<\/p>\n Navigating Risk: Flooding & Mitigation in Manville, NJ<\/a> | 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=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs color=”blue” active_section=”1″ no_fill_content_area=”true”][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-bullhorn” add_icon=”true” title=”Program Alerts & Updates” tab_id=”1762781903092-cc7e17bb-0d4a”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-newspaper” add_icon=”true” title=”Press & Publications” tab_id=”1762781758305-a0200d53-71ae”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\nFlood Risk & Recovery<\/h4>\n
Floodplain Restoration<\/h4>\n
Special Projects<\/h4>\n
Manville-Specific Resources<\/h4>\n
Archives<\/h2>\n
Archived Program Alerts (newest to oldest)<\/h4>\n
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Website Publications (newest to oldest)<\/h4>\n
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![Blue Acres Purchases (through 2024)<\/a> | 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=””]<\/p>\nManville-Specific Resources<\/h4>\nFind out about Manville’s Flood Risk Reduction Policy<\/a> and the Disaster Risk Reduction Areas (DRRA).<\/p>\nThe Cost Effectiveness of Buyouts<\/a> | 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\u00a0highlights the long-term financial and risk-reduction benefits of proactive flood mitigation.<\/p>\nNavigating Risk: Flooding & Mitigation in Manville, NJ<\/a> | 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=””]<\/p>\nArchives<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs color=”blue” active_section=”1″ no_fill_content_area=”true”][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-bullhorn” add_icon=”true” title=”Program Alerts & Updates” tab_id=”1762781903092-cc7e17bb-0d4a”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\nArchived Program Alerts (newest to oldest)<\/h4>\n\nNovember 25, 2025: Blue Acres Celebrates 30 Years!<\/a><\/li>\nSeptember 22, 2025: Blue Acres Responds to July Flooding \u2013 Consultation Events and Initial Funding Approvals<\/a><\/li>\nJune 16, 2025: Blue Acres Receives Approval for a Fifth Batch of FEMA Flood Buyout Funding<\/a><\/li>\nMay 23, 2025: Blue Acres Project Approval for $3.2M in NRCS EWP Flood Buyout Funding<\/a><\/li>\nFebruary 27, 2025: Blue Acres Receives Record $24.7M Allocation through State\u2019s Corporate Business Tax<\/a><\/li>\nFebruary 21, 2025: Blue Acres Receives Approval for a Fourth Batch of FEMA Flood Buyout Funding<\/a><\/li>\nJanuary 29, 2025: Blue Acres Receives Approval for $3.5M in NRCS EWP Flood Buyout Funding<\/a><\/li>\nNovember 26, 2024: Murphy Administration Partners with USDA to Launch Buyouts of Flood-Prone Property in Cranford<\/a><\/li>\nSeptember 18, 2024: Land Use Visioning Increases Support for and Participation in Flood Buyouts<\/a><\/li>\nJuly 24, 2024: DCA to Submit Request to US HUD for the Release of Federal Funds for the Blue Acres Program<\/a><\/li>\nMay 22, 2024: Blue Acres Receives Approval for a Third Batch of FEMA Flood Buyout Funding<\/a><\/li>\nApril 24, 2024: Blue Acres Receives Approval for a Second Batch of FEMA Flood Buyout Funding<\/a><\/li>\nMarch 6, 2024: Blue Acres Individual Consultations: February Recap<\/a><\/li>\nFebruary 16, 2024: How important is post-buyout land use? Take our new survey!<\/a><\/li>\nJanuary 30, 2024: Blue Acres Receives FEMA Approval to Begin Using $50M HMGP Funding for Post-Ida Buyouts<\/a><\/li>\nJanuary 25, 2025: Blue Acres Buyout Informational Meetings<\/a><\/li>\nJanuary 5, 2024: Blue Acres to Accept HUD-funded Buyout Eligibility Applications from Authorized Homeowners<\/a><\/li>\nOctober 18, 2023: Public Notice: Emergency and Disaster Declarations FEMA-DR-4488-NJ<\/a><\/li>\nSeptember 18, 2023: Buyout Info Sessions in Manville Borough<\/a><\/li>\nAugust 7, 2023: Manville Borough\u2019s Flood Risk Reduction Policy<\/a><\/li>\nMay 18, 2023: Blue Acres $34M HUD-funded Buyout Eligibility Application Opens for Authorized Homeowners<\/a><\/li>\nDecember 22, 2022: Blue Acres Applies for $40M FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant for Buyouts Across 20 Communities, 8 Counties\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\nDecember 5, 2022: Blue Acres Receives $10M from FEMA for Buyouts in the Borough of Manville<\/a><\/li>\nAugust 31, 2022: Blue Acres Applies to FEMA for $10M in Buyouts in the Borough of Manville<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_position=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-newspaper” add_icon=”true” title=”Press & Publications” tab_id=”1762781758305-a0200d53-71ae”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\nWebsite Publications (newest to oldest)<\/h4>\n\nDecember 25, 2025: A New Jersey Buyout Program for Flood-Prone Homes Is a National Model – Inside Climate News<\/a><\/li>\nDecember 18, 2025: Why Floodplain Buyouts Are a Smart Investment for NJ Towns<\/a><\/li>\nJanuary 3, 2025: Murphy Administration Partners with USDA to Launch Buyouts of Flood-Prone Property in Cranford<\/a><\/li>\nOctober 30, 2024: Floodplain Success: New Jersey Towns Limit Development Despite Pressures<\/a><\/li>\nSeptember 1, 2024: Home Buyout Programs Adapt to Worsening Flood Risks<\/a><\/li>\nJuly 29, 2024:\u00a0DCA to Submit Request to US HUD for the Release of Federal Funds for the Blue Acres Program<\/a><\/li>\nMay 16, 2024: New Jersey’s Approach to Flood Buyouts Earns National Attention<\/a><\/li>\nMarch 22, 2024: Insurance Premiums and Adaptation Measures Have Not Kept Pace with Climate Change<\/a><\/li>\nJanuary 10, 2024: CBS News Philadelphia: What is Blue Acres? New Jersey DEP Program Aims to Help Homeowners Impacted by Increasing Flooding<\/a><\/li>\nDecember 21, 2023: NJ Spotlight News: Designing the Future of NJ’s Flood-prone Lands<\/a><\/li>\nNovember 10, 2023: Climate Change Issues Force Areas to Consider If People Shouldn’t Live There Anymore<\/a><\/li>\n](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/175\/blue-acres-purchase-locations_gif_m.o.tier_.gif\"){kind=link}