New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Immediate Release: Feb. 5, 2013
MEDIA ADVISORY – FAQs on Post-Sandy Flood Elevation Standards posted

As New Jersey begins to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy, there is a critical need for clear and accurate information that will help the public and local officials make good decisions about reconstructing damaged structures. On Jan. 24, the state adopted emergency amendments to New Jersey Flood Hazard Area Control Act rules. The amendments set minimum elevation standards for reconstruction of structures in flood zones.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Community Affairs have developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help local officials and the public better understand the benefits of elevating, guidelines explaining who the rule affects, and tips for getting started. It is our hope that journalists will take a few minutes to review the FAQs and consider using them as a basis for stories.

The FAQs may be found under Featured Topics on the DEP’s home page or by clicking:
www.state.nj.us/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/docs/abefs-faq-20130204.pdf

The Governor’s Office news release announcing the emergency rule is available at:
www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2013/13_0006.htm

The rule may be accessed through the press release or by clicking:
https://www.nj.gov/dep/docs/20130124flood-hazard-emergency-rule.pdf

The DEP and DCA are eager to assist you in any way, including setting up interviews with experts who can answer any detailed questions you may have. DEP’s expertise is focused on the rule itself and the elevation standards, which are based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s new Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) maps. DCA can provide expertise on construction codes and standards.

If you have questions or would like to arrange an interview, please Lawrence Hajna in the DEP press office at (609) 984-1795 or DCA Public Information Director Lisa Ryan at (609) 292-6550. Thank you for your consideration.