Letter From Mayor: Update on FEMA Flood Map and Sandy Reimbursements

June 28, 2013

Dear Friends:

A few quick updates:

• 1. FEMA Maps – Our coastal engineering consultant has completed their review and field investigations of the transect data that FEMA used in the development of their Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) Maps.  This review will be provided to FEMA for their further consideration.  We have been advised to expect to see revised “working maps” in late July.  These revised maps have already been released in other counties in New Jersey, where they have greatly reduced the number of properties in the “V Zone” compared to the ABFE maps. 
• 1. Last evening the City Council unanimously introduced a bond ordinance for $4,550,000. In capital improvements. Over half of this funding ($2,500,000.) is earmarked for continued paving and drainage improvements throughout the island, which was discussed in detail with the Council at a workshop last week.   
• 1. Earlier this week the City was notified that we would soon be receiving a $2.39 million reimbursement from FEMA for our debris removal costs from Hurricane Sandy.  This represented $75% of our total coasts of $3.18 million.  The very next day we received even better news that the FEMA funding would be increased to 90% of our costs, which is expected to provide us with an additional $477,000 to offset our costs.  I would like to acknowledge and thank the city team members who have devoted many hours over the past several months to provide FEMA with a huge amount of documentation and paperwork related to these costs. 

I hope that you and your family enjoy the upcoming July 4th holiday. I encourage you to view or take part in one of two great Ocean City traditions the morning of July 4th as bike parades will be held at both ends of the island. The South Ocean City Improvement Association’s parade will begin at 10 am with registration starting at 9:00 am at 40th Street and Asbury Avenue.  The Gardens Civic Association’s parade will also begin at 10 am with registration taking place at 9:00 am at the Longport Bridge Parking Lot. I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the volunteers of these two great civic associations who make these events possible.

The July 4th Kite Flying Contest will take place at 7:00 pm at the Moorlyn Terrace Beach.  Entertainment will follow up and down the boardwalk leading up to a spectacular fireworks display off the 9th Street beach at 9:30 pm. 

Be safe and enjoy all Ocean City has to offer in the weeks ahead!

Warm Regards,

Jay A. Gillian