Ocean Grove beachfront.. Nov. 7, 2012. Paul Goldfinger photo ©
A Blogfinger Exclusive Report by Paul Goldfinger, Editor
Tuesday, January 14, 2014.
Tonight, at a meeting of the major organizations in Ocean Grove, the OGCMA announced that they just received a response from FEMA regarding the second appeal for boardwalk restoration funds. This is the official announcement by Mr. J.P. Gradone, COO:
“We are delighted and grateful to have just recently learned that FEMA has determined that the Camp Meeting Association is eligible for assistance in funding of the Boardwalk restoration. Although this eligibility determination does not guarantee us full funding from FEMA, it does allow us to proceed further in the process.
OGCMA is currently seeking clarification on FEMA’s decision and will proceed as quickly as possible to work through the funding process in order to be able to begin boardwalk reconstruction. This complex process entails a variety of steps, including further interaction with FEMA, the office of the Governor, Township of Neptune, other government agencies, and our engineering firm.
We continue to work very closely with officials in the Governor’s office, Congressman Chris Smith’s office, Neptune officials and various consultants and are thankful for their continuing support. “
The CMA officials present included Dr. Dale Whilden, Mr Gradone, and Mr. Bill Bailey. It was clear that they were hoping for a more definitive FEMA outcome, but, overall, they view this ruling as a positive event (“We won the appeal”) which established that our Boardwalk is now eligible for funding. If you recall, it was already determined that the OGCMA, a private non-profit organization, was itself eligible for funding, but this is a specific turn around by FEMA as it pertains to the Boardwalk itself.
Meanwhile, the CMA announced that they have already spent $500,00 on the Boardwalk project including debris and pile removals and construction work at the South End.
Please see the Blogfinger editorial below.