Union Co. Gets Aid For Affordable Housing Projects Ruined By Ida

UNION COUNTY, NJ — As Union County was one of the hardest hit areas of New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Ida, the county will receive some state aid toward affordable housing projects that were impacted by the storm.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill Monday that will appropriate $25 million in rehabilitation for affordable housing projects impacted by Ida throughout the state. According to the announcement, priority will be given to properties that suffered damage as a result of the hurricane.

“The remnants of Hurricane Ida brought unprecedented rainfall and resulting damage to many communities across New Jersey, and Union County residents were hit especially hard,” NJ Senator Joe Cryan said. “Hundreds were left homeless and thousands suffered significant damage to their homes. Many of the storm’s victims are still without shelter. This funding is needed as temporary solutions are running out.”

The $25 million will go to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Agency (HMFA) for its Capital Improvement and Assistance Program. Murphy said the effects of Hurricane Ida are still affected many New Jersey residents today, and this funding will help residents to rebuild.

“This legislation will ensure that funding is made available to repair and rehabilitate hundreds of units that had to be evacuated due to the storm,” Murphy said.

Primary sponsors of the bill include Senator Cryan, Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly members Daniel Benson, Annette Quijano and Benjie Wimberly.

“Our most affected communities have not fully recovered and many people still are not back in their homes,” Scutari said. “Living without a residence of their own for this long is a terrible hardship. This [aid] will provide resources for housing, home repair and programs that cover property loss for those in need.”

According to the announcement, the supplemental aid for fiscal year 2022 will be made available as loans to finance the rehabilitation and physical improvement of eligible affordable housing properties. The appropriation will allow the HMFA to provide funding for properties damaged by the hurricane that are in need of additional resources in a timely manner.