[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1312″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjYXJvdXNlbC1jYXB0aW9uJTIwcmlnaHQlMjBkLW1kLWJsb2NrJTIwZC1zbS1ibG9jayUyMiUzRSUwQSUwOSUzQ2gxJTNFSW5mb3JtYXRpb24lMjBmb3IlMjBMb2NhbCUyMEdvdmVybm1lbnRzJTNDJTJGaDElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n
Local governments work with Blue Acres throughout the buyout process and as trusted partners beyond the initial buyout phase:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][vc_single_image image=”1052″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/175\/roadmap-illustrated-town-1.png”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”1909,1908,1010″ img_size=”large” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n How can communities transform vacant flood-prone properties, to create community amenities and optimize floodplain functionality?<\/strong><\/p>\n Blue Acres properties are designated as \u201copen space,\u201d meaning the land can only be used for passive recreation, wetlands, habitat, or flood-storage purposes. For an overview of natural floodplain functions, authorized uses of Blue Acres properties, and managing encroachments on State-owned lands, check out the Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Management Field Guide<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>As regulations surrounding State-owned land use are modified, Blue Acres will provide updates.<\/p>\n “Creating Flood-Resilient Landscapes: A Primer for New Jersey Communities<\/strong><\/a>” is a resource guide that can help municipal leaders plan, design, and implement flood resilience projects on Blue Acres parcels (as well as any flood-prone open space).<\/p>\n The use or adaptation of NJDEP lands by a public or private entity, whether permanent or temporary, requires specific permission from the NJDEP. Although NJDEP lands can serve many purposes, certain activities and uses conflict with the NJDEP’s mission. Additionally, some activities may require permits from other NJDEP programs, as well as permission to use the property.<\/strong><\/p>\n To request permission for any proposed activities on NJDEP property, interested parties can submit a Request for Use of NJDEP Property Form<\/strong><\/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_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”46px”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n Disclaimer: The embedded web map was developed by Rutgers University student Nirupama Vidyarthi, using publicly available open-space data. It is being shared on the Blue Acres website while we advance our web mapping application. This student-created mapping can assist in identifying Blue Acres state-owned buyout lands, but full data accuracy is not guaranteed. Please be advised that this web map is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered authoritative for legal or regulatory purposes.<\/p>\n Please note:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_raw_html css=””]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[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View the Webmap App” color=”primary” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-map-marker-alt” css=”” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Frutgers.maps.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2Finstant%2Fmedia%2Findex.html%3Fappid%3D4cb440d606bc4bcbaa4fcf2924addc8c%26center%3D-74.2409%3B40.891%26level%3D17|target:_blank”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”1878,1879,1881,1882,1890,1891,1918,1917″ img_size=”large” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n To enhance community resilience and flood preparedness, Blue Acres program signage raises local awareness about ongoing flood hazards and home buyouts as a permanent mitigation solution. These signs are not meant to demark each individual buyout property; they are designed mainly to:<\/p>\n Request Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n Local land managers play a crucial role in maintaining these spaces long-term in a manner that meets community goals and is consistent with floodplain conservation and functionality. Local land managers, including local units of government and non-profit organizations may request Blue Acres signage to install on State owned land under their management purview.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n To request signs or learn more, contact the Blue Acres program at BlueAcres@deptest.nj.gov<\/a>.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”45px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Is my municipality eligible for buyouts?” css=””]Buyouts can occur in any New Jersey municipality that struggles with flooding in residential areas. DEP Blue Acres evaluates storm-impacted and flood-prone communities throughout the state on an ongoing basis. Any area or neighborhood that meets these criteria is eligible for Blue Acres assistance, regardless of whether the flooding is coastal or inland. Keep in mind that federal buyout funding can be more selective, and typically available to only specific geographies. For example, FEMA\u2019s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program funding is available only within communities participating in, and in good standing with, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What properties are eligible?” css=””]Currently, only privately-owned residential properties are eligible for the buyout program. Blue Acres continues to work with state and local officials to proactively reduce flood risk and the inequities that adversely affect the communities most vulnerable to climate change. All homeowners must be willing sellers, and there is no requirement for clusters or neighborhood-wide participation for Blue Acres buyouts.<\/p>\n Blue Acres will notify local governments if properties within their jurisdiction are eligible, upon request.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Will it cost my municipality to participate in flood mitigation via State-led buyouts?” css=””]The administrative costs to implement buyouts are covered by DEP in most cases; this includes the purchase cost of the buyout property, costs of property appraisals, other due diligence work such as environmental reviews, and demolitions. The es.<\/p>\n Once a property\u2019s deed has been transferred to DEP, the State of New Jersey (the State) retains legal ownership. DEP encourages local governments to take an active role in stewarding these newly-created open spaces . The financial responsibilities associated with maintaining buyout land are the only costs a municipality will directly incur. The municipality will be asked to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of New Jersey that will specify maintenance, insurance, and other requirements.<\/p>\n Blue Acres welcomes partnerships with local environmental groups and nonprofits to maintain and steward the buyout open space areas. Before the local government makes any changes or improvements to the buyout open space land, they must request and obtain approval through the State of New Jersey. Interested parties can submit a Request for Use of NJDEP Property Form<\/strong><\/a>.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How can local governments support the Blue Acres buyout process once a home(s) has been approved to proceed towards the State of New Jersey taking ownership by purchasing the buyout property?” css=””]Local governments can work in partnership with Blue Acres by:<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How can local governments support the Blue Acres process after the buyout closes, and the land is owned by the State of New Jersey?” css=””]Once the buyout closes and title transfers to the State of New Jersey, the home, utilities, and all structures will be demolished before the land is graded and preserved as open space for flood storage.<\/p>\n Local governments can play important roles including, but not limited to the following:<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What can local governments do with the land?” css=””]Blue Acres properties are designated as \u201cpreserved open space for flood storage,\u201d meaning the land can only be used for passive recreation, wetlands, wildlife habitat, or flood storage purposes. To serve the intended function as a restored floodplain, structural options are limited at a Blue Acres site so as not to impede the flow of floodwaters.<\/p>\n Generally allowed uses (with appropriate approvals):<\/em> Unpaved multi-use paths and small-scale recreational fields; Unwalled structures, such as gazebos, pavilions, or picnic shelters; Small boat ramps, docks, or piers to serve public recreational use; Vegetative site stabilization, including planting native tree saplings or use as a small-scale community garden; Installation of informative signs (designed not to trap debris).<\/p>\n Some prohibited uses are:<\/em> Walled buildings (with the exception of restrooms); Fixed flood control structures (i.e., levees, berms, floodwalls); Fences that may obstruct the floodway (fences outside the floodway must be designed to minimize the trapping of debris); Cemeteries, landfills, or storage of hazardous materials; Paved roads or parking areas.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What are potential funding sources to make approved improvements on Blue Acres lands?” css=””]Funding for post-demolition restoration work is available through various public and private sources, including public-private partnerships. Restoration project costs can also be minimized with the help of volunteers who can help with project installations such as vegetative plantings, maintaining unpaved trails, or creating community gardens.<\/p>\n There are numerous ways to identify local funding sources for approved park improvements on Blue Acres lands. It will depend on the local area and the type of park or floodplain improvements of interest. Below is a list of information resources on potential funding sources to begin researching opportunities:<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What management responsibilities does the municipality assume for the buyout open space area?” css=””]Municipalities will be asked to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding that will provide a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of both parties. Below is a brief summary of the most common municipal management responsibilities.<\/p>\n Management of the properties includes but is not limited to:<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What are examples of how municipalities are managing and improving buyout lands?” css=””]Municipalities across New Jersey are managing and utilizing Blue Acres buyout open space areas in a variety of ways to meet the needs of their community. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n
Post-acquisition land use<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Identify Blue Acres Properties in Your Community<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Having trouble viewing the web map on this page? <\/em><\/h6>\n
Click the button below to access the web map in a new window.<\/em><\/h6>\n
Signage on Blue Acres Land<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions by Local Government Officials<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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