Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy announced a $15 million award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance climate change preparedness in New Jersey. The state will contribute an additional 10% match, amounting to $1.5 million. This funding is part of FEMA's Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program, designed to provide low-interest loans for hazard mitigation and resilience infrastructure projects, particularly benefiting low-income and underserved communities.

"This award is essential to ensuring that our local communities have the tools they need to get ahead of the next disaster," said Governor Murphy. He expressed gratitude towards the Biden-Harris Administration and New Jersey's congressional delegation for supporting the STORM Act through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The STORM Act facilitates revolving loan funds for states and eligible entities to finance projects aimed at reducing risks from natural hazards. Through this program, FEMA enables these entities to make funding decisions independently, supporting local governments in executing hazard mitigation projects that bolster community resilience against disasters.

David Warrington, FEMA Region 2 Administrator, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change impacts during Climate Week: "Increased severe weather activity not just threatens an increase in costs-- it threatens lives." He reiterated FEMA's commitment to building regional resilience and praised their partnership with New Jersey.

Robert Briant Jr., Chairperson of the I-Bank, highlighted the significance of federal and state collaboration on climate mitigation infrastructure projects: "Working with FEMA, New Jersey now has one more tool to help these communities protect their residents and assets before the next disaster strikes."

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan noted that this funding provides a crucial resource for assisting local governments: "As New Jersey continues to experience stronger storms, this resource allows us to offer yet another method to carry out mitigation projects and make our state even more resilient."

This marks the second year of STORM Act funding for New Jersey, which represents one of the highest cumulative awards nationally. The initiative is supported by a partnership between the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) and the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM).

For further information on financing hazard mitigation projects through NJ CHAMP, interested parties can contact I-Bank at information@njib.gov.