September 1, 2024

An article published by Grid Magazine examines the growing role of home buyout programs in response to worsening flood risks, with a particular focus on Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As extreme weather events increase in frequency due to climate change, buyouts are being embraced as a key flood mitigation strategy. The article spotlights Collegeville’s recent buyouts and New Jersey’s Blue Acres program as models for tackling the challenges faced by flood-prone communities.

Collegeville’s efforts to relocate residents after repeated flooding, funded by $6 million in FEMA assistance, demonstrate how municipalities are leveraging federal resources to protect residents and eliminate flood risks. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Blue Acres program, which has acquired more than 1,100 homes since 1995, is hailed as an exemplary approach due to its reliable state and federal funding, as well as its homeowner-focused support system. With dedicated case managers and faster processing times, Blue Acres helps streamline the difficult decision of relocating, offering a smoother path for those affected by recurring floods.

As other areas, including Philadelphia, grapple with logistical and financial hurdles to implementing buyout programs, the success of Blue Acres provides a blueprint for proactive flood risk management, highlighting the importance of strong funding, comprehensive planning, and community support.

Read the full article here!