New Jersey has bought out and demolished approximately 1,200 properties in flood-prone areas as part of a statewide effort to mitigate the impact of increasingly severe weather events. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of flooding for residents and restore the land to open space, providing a natural buffer against future storms.

The program targets communities like Manville, a working-class town of 11,000 residents located about 25 miles southwest of Newark, which has a long history of flooding from tropical storms, nor'easters, and heavy rainfall. Richard Onderko, a former resident of Manville, recalled the constant threat of flooding that strained his parents' marriage and eventually led them to move away. His childhood home on North Second Avenue was eventually sold to the state-run program in 2015 after the new homeowner also struggled with repeated flooding.

The state's buyout program is funded through a combination of state and federal resources and is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The program identifies properties that have experienced repetitive flooding and offers homeowners a fair market value for their homes. Once purchased, the houses are demolished, and the land is permanently preserved as open space.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to address the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding events, driven in part by climate change. By removing structures from floodplains, the program aims to reduce the financial and emotional toll of flooding on homeowners and communities.

While the buyout program has been praised by many as a necessary step to protect residents and reduce flood risks, it has also faced challenges. Some homeowners are reluctant to sell their homes, even if they are located in flood-prone areas, due to sentimental value or concerns about finding affordable housing elsewhere. Others have criticized the program for not moving quickly enough to address the urgent needs of communities facing repeated flooding.

The state continues to seek additional funding and explore innovative approaches to flood mitigation, including the construction of flood control infrastructure and the implementation of stricter building codes in flood-prone areas. The long-term goal is to create more resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change and protect residents from the devastating effects of flooding.