Ocean Grove boardwalk devastation. October 30, 2012, 8:00 a.m. Paul Goldfinger photo © left click for full view
Mr. Ralph del Campo of the OGCMA has been getting some high powered help lately from consultants in planning the second FEMA appeal. In addition to the experts who have weighed in since after Sandy, some new heavy hitters have joined the effort. Thanks to the Governor’s office, Ocean Grove is benefiting from advisors who have experience dealing with FEMA dating back to the post-Katrina situation including some who are former high level FEMA officials.
This level of expert help added to the assistance provided by the Governor’s staff, Rep. Chris Smith in Washington, and knowledgeable Neptune Township “professionals” has given augmented hope to the CMA as it plans to submit its latest appeal “as soon as possible”—perhaps by mid-August and then with an anticipated answer by Thanksgiving. The CMA continues to engage in a measured strategy: “We’re working away at it and we want to be realistic,” says Mr. delCampo.
The assessment of our appeal will be organized in Washington, D.C., and last week a teleconference was held with FEMA officials to discuss technical aspects of the appeal. Mr. delCampo says that we are beginning to explain to such officials that our town is unique and that our boardwalk is distinctive when compared to many classic Jersey Shore towns. Ours has no commercial element, and there is a strong argument to explain how our boards serve important public functions involving safety, emergency care and economic enhancements for all the towns in our region.
He thinks that FEMA is beginning to understand our argument. He hopes that this new look in our direction will bring a “totally fresh understanding” of who we are in Ocean Grove.
Hope that second appeal is stronger than the storm!