County Expects to Distribute $200K in Sandy Aid

Ocean County expects to distribute approximately $200,000 for Superstorm Sandy relief and recovery.

The freeholders authorized the submission and execution of the county's Fiscal Year 2013 Action Plan Wednesday.

The plan outlines recommended municipal projects and how funding will be allocated through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and how HOME programs will be distributed.

It is estimated that $940,000 in federal funds will be dispersed to the county's municipalities and public agencies for housing rehabilitation and municipal and public service projects, a news release from the county said.

“Many great projects have resulted from the distribution of these funds,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the county Planning Department.

The money specifically for Sandy will be allocated to Ocean, Inc.’s Community Partners Outreach and Relief Program for eligible county residents affected by Sandy, according to the news release.

That funding will be used for rental assistance, security deposits, relocation assistance, home repairs not covered by insurance and/or FEMA, plumbing and gas line penetration, replacement of insulation and other weatherization replacements, counseling and food assistance, Little said.

“With so many of our residents directly impacted by this storm, it is important to help our residents get back to their homes,” he said.

The county also anticipates allocating $352,000 for 11 municipal projects such as handicap accessibility, street, sidewalk and curb improvements.

Additionally, $180,000 will be allocated for 12 public service activities such as food distribution, counseling and day care centers, domestic violence and youth runaway centers, homeless assistance, visiting homecare services and senior services. Also, $226,000 will be appropriated for housing related programs.

Although numbers aren’t final, the freeholders are anticipating a reduction of approximately 10 percent in appropriation from 2012 due to federal funding cuts and changes in the census, Little said.

The county is anticipating $826,000 for HOME funding for 2013, he said.

“This money helps our residents with their housing needs,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the county Planning Department. “The funds are used to repair existing homes or help families take the necessary steps into their first home.”

Under the First Time Homebuyers program, 440 families received down payment assistance for the purchase of a home for a total real estate value in the county of $58 million, according to the news release.

Approximately 22 individuals or families will receive assistance with 2013 funding.

The county has been participating in the federal CDBG Program since 1984. Since that time, a total of 656 housing units have been rehabilitated under the CDBG funding. In 2013, approximately 22 units will be rehabilitated, the news release said.

The county also anticipates using about $665,000 for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, which includes funds from 2013 and 2012.

“Additional funding was recommended to accommodate the increased rental demand as a result of Superstorm Sandy,” Little said. “Waivers were requested and approved by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).”

Under the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, 653 families have been provided rent subsidies to date. The average rental subsidy provided in 2012 was $923 per month for a 24-month period. The county expects to assist 65 families this year under that program.

Municipalities that receive separate CDBG entitlements and the amounts that are anticipated are: Brick Township $247,351; Toms River $332,090; Lakewood $785,743 and Jackson $174,674. Jackson Township’s funds are included in the total county allocation since the county administers their program.

The Action Plan will be submitted to the HUD office by Wednesday, May 15. HUD approval is anticipated after Monday, July 1.