FREEHOLD – Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry released the following statement regarding the county’s continuing efforts to delay FEMA’s planned September adoption of the expanded Monmouth County flood zone maps in order to make sure they are accurate.
 
“Monmouth County directed counsel to investigate the history and accuracy of the FEMA mapping process in June. We have also begun a thorough assessment of the engineering standards and assumptions used by the Army Corps of Engineers when they constructed the existing flood control structures. Our goal in all of this is to protect the lives and property of our residents, with or without flood insurance, and by doing so eliminate the need for this added expense.
 
“In this effort we are working closely with Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Senator Joe Kyrillos. County Engineer Joseph Ettore and assistant county counsel Gil Messina and I will be meeting with Dr. Tavit O. Najarian of Najarian Associates, a civil engineering and environmental consulting firm based in Eatontown, to review information about the proposed FEMA maps. We will also be meeting with Congressman Frank Pallone who is offering some support for our efforts.
           
“Although what Congressman Pallone is proposing will help, it is primarily a short term measure. While we welcome such assistance for our Monmouth County residents, our long term objective is to prevent flooding from ever occurring with the firm belief that it is better to have no flooding and need no insurance then to have your home flooded with insurance in hand.”

 

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