$228M In Ida Relief: Give Input On Where It's Needed In Somerset County

MANVILLE, NJ — It has been a year since Hurricane Ida brought devastating flooding and explosions that overwhelmed first responders and killed six Somerset County residents.

A meeting at Manville High School on Sept. 8 gives residents an opportunity to give feedback on how the county will best allocate $228 million in federal disaster relief dollars provided to the NJ Department of Community Affairs. The meeting is from 6-8 p.m., the county said.

"These funds are intended to address unmet housing, infrastructure, planning, and other needs that have resulted from the effects of Hurricane Ida," the county said in a news release.

Manville residents and Mayor Richard Onderko are frustrated that they are still waiting for money and resources to help improve infrastructure and rebuild damaged homes in the borough, MyCentralJersey reported.

Deputy Director Melonie Marano, Commissioner Doug Singleterry and the other commissioners encourage residents to attend the meeting.

“It’s fitting this meeting is in Manville, one of the hardest hit communities in the state where many continue to need help recovering from Hurricane Ida,” said Commissioner Singleterry. “We know that those who were affected by the storm have great insight that Trenton and Washington need to hear. Commissioner Marano and I look forward to hearing from many of you at this public hearing.”

The Board of Commissioners is honoring all who suffered losses, responded during the height of the storm, and helped provide support during recovery.

“A year ago today Somerset County was struck by Hurricane Ida flooding that caused incredible damage to property and, sadly, took the lives of six of our neighbors,” Marano said. “As terrible as it was for so many in Somerset County, it could have been worse. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the coordinated efforts of first responders, emergency management, public works, non-profits, and the residents who offered a bed, a meal, or a hug to a neighbor in need.”

The county recently hired two new leaders for its Public Health and Safety team: Dr. Terry Clancy as the new Director of Public Health and Safety, and Lisa Werner as the new Emergency Management Coordinator & Director.

“Somerset County has great people working in our Public Health and Safety department, and the evidence is our ability to simultaneously manage long-term crises like COVID and rapid response disasters like Hurricane Ida,” said Doug Singleterry, who is liaison to Public Health and Safety. “Adding Dr. Clancy and Ms. Werner’s knowledge and experience in local, state, and federal public health, emergency response, and incident command means residents can be certain Somerset County will be even more prepared in the future.”