By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT. – The borough has been identified as being eligible to receive FEMA flood mitigation funding for a $1.5 million project to help alleviate flooding on Winchester Avenue, city engineer Ed Dennis Jr. announced Wednesday, July 7.
The allotment is part of $700 million being made available in fiscal year 2020 for FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant programs. If awarded, the funding will strengthen the borough’s ability to reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from disaster damage.
“Mitigation is an investment that makes a real difference in our communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said in a release. “We’re seeing the effects of climate change now. We must continue to identify opportunities to combat the impacts of climate change and help our communities become more resilient against the threats of future disasters.”
Dennis said the notice of eligibility is “the beginning of a long process” to receive funding.
Over the last several months, FEMA reviewed funding requests to ensure they are eligible, long-term, cost effective and technically feasible in reducing the impacts of hazards. Longport’s application has met the initial requirements and has been identified for further review before a final decision on funding is made. The borough will be required to work with FEMA’s Regional Office to complete the pre-award activities before the funding is announced.
“They require a series of steps to lock in the funding,” Dennis said. “It’s a long-term effort.”
Dennis said the funding could be used to enlarge stormwater pipes to improve drainage.
According to grant writer Jim Rutala of Rutala Associates of Linwood, who applied for the grant, the area of Winchester Avenue near the Margate border has a history of flooding.
Resiliency efforts will include installation of a new pump station on 31st Avenue, upgrading a pump station on 34th Avenue and replacing and upgrading stormwater pipes, he said.
If approved, FEMA would fund up to 75% of the cost of the $1.5 million project or $1,136,250, he said.
