FEMA at Shark River Hills after Sandy. PG photo. Nov 2012.
By Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger
After Sandy hit, the initial cleanup cost $27,000 just for the dumpsters. It will cost about $500,000 to complete Phase One of the reconstruction effort, and the Camp Meeting Association simply doesn’t have that money. But they are moving ahead anyhow, while waiting for the result of the FEMA appeal. They cannot begin to consider moving the project into the next phase without the funds. But they are going to try everything to come up with the money.
The project has some specific financial challenges including the fact that composite materials for the new boardwalk areas will be used exclusively and they are much more expensive than wood. Luckily, the beach replenishment is to be covered by “an outright grant” which is already approved by the government and will be implemented by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Great Auditorium roof requires very special metal materials which will be custom made. The rebuilding of the fishing pier has been put off for now, but Mr. delCampo, of the OGCMA, says, “We are absolutely committed to seeing the pier rebuilt.”
Planning for the later stages of the post-Sandy reconstruction work will continue. The “end-game” planning includes consultants, builders and engineers trying to design a project which will endure into the future despite the inevitable return of big storms at the shore. That plan should be ready by July. The CMA hopes to begin work on the next stage after Labor Day, but FEMA financing will be crucial. When the money shows up, “We’ll be really ready,” said Mr. delCampo.
The process of putting together an appeal “package” to submit to FEMA is complicated, but the CMA will be ready next week to send in all the components including 137 letters from citizens/supporters and numerous resolutions and appeals from politicians and experts. No one knows how long it will take for FEMA to respond, but a quick “turn around” has been promised.
A capital campaign is being organized and hopes to raise a great deal of money. Chairing that effort will be Ocean Grovers Joann and David Coffee. The campaign will “kick off” and be introduced to the community at a “town hall” meeting on April 6. The official name is “Together” to capture the idea that many factions will work together to bring the town back.
The campaign has already raised about $200,000 with nearly $50,000 earmarked for the boardwalk and/or the Great Auditorium. All earmarked contributions will be honored as such contributions will go into labeled “buckets.” The campaign committee is very enthused and they are developing an official plan which will be unveiled in the near future.
The GA roof is insured, but there is a $100,000 deductible to be covered.
In the event that FEMA does not come through, the CMA will pursue grants and other sources of financial assistance. They are being very careful in their planning so as not to jeopardize other applications which might be required later.