NJDEP Blue Acres Flood Buyout Program

WHAT IS BLUE ACRES?
Blue Acres is a voluntary, state-led flood buyout program that works with willing sellers to purchase their home that has been damaged by storm events or is prone to future flooding. To assist homeowners with flood recovery and prevention, Blue Acres offers Fair Market Value and evaluates participants for supplemental assistance or incentives, which are monies available in addition to the value of the home, to help ensure that offer amounts allow homeowners to pay off existing debt on the home (mortgage, liens, etc.) and have some proceeds from the sale to secure comparable replacement housing that is safe and outside of flood-prone areas.

APPLY FOR A FLOOD BUYOUT ASAP
Homeowners who wish to participate in the voluntary flood buyout program must express interest in a buyout by applying directly to the program. Blue Acres buyouts are strictly voluntary, and homeowners can change their mind or withdraw from participation at any time.

Click Here to a Submit a Blue Acres Buyout Application today!

Homeowners who need additional support in completing the buyout application should contact Blue Acres. Program staff can walk homeowners through the application or complete it on their behalf as needed. This help is available in both English and Spanish. Buyout information on the Blue Acres website can be translated into several languages via the web browser as well.

WHY SHOULD HOMEOWNERS SELL TO BLUE ACRES?
The option of selling to Blue Acres is entirely voluntary from start to finish. Flood buyouts allow homeowners to: 
• Move out of harm’s way and regain a sense of security
• Recoup financial investments in a home that is storm damaged and flood-prone
• Break the cycle of flooding, rebuilding, and flooding again

When a homeowner sells their property to the State of NJ, structures are demolished and the land becomes permanent open space, creating opportunities for enhanced flood storage, passive recreation activities and ecological restoration. Local governments and neighbors are encouraged to help with post buyout land use visioning to ensure the future open space serves several community benefits.

HOMEOWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY APPLIED TO BLUE ACRES
Homeowners who have already applied to Blue Acres do not need to submit a second buyout application but can inquire via email or phone about their ongoing interest in a buyout.

To date, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in September 2021, Blue Acres requested and/or received federal funding for nearly 200 homes across the State. Homeowners that were already notified of their property’s inclusion in a request for federal buyout funding should reach out to Blue Acres for the best available update and to share any details regarding changes to their situation following the most recent flood event. Blue Acres will do our best to assist homeowners who warrant special considerations, such as those experiencing prolonged displacement from a primary residence or those with household vulnerabilities due to age, infirmity or physical disabilities.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Homeowners can reach out directly to Brian Caycho, Blue Acres program specialist, at (609) 954-0982 or via email at Brian.Caycho@dep.nj.gov. Se habla Español.

Other Blue Acres program staff are glad to answer questions and address concerns regarding the buyout process, offer formulation policies, and more.