02.20.2014
Federal regulations thwart reimbursements for N.J. Sandy victims’ latest repair costs
Superstorm Sandy victims still can’t seek reimbursement for home repairs done after the date they applied for a specific government grant, according to federal housing officials who have denied a state request to waive the requirement.
Recognizing that many homeowners have had to halt repairs mid-project when they have applied for funds, the state Department of Community Affairs asked the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to consider changing the policy in December.
It was the latest of several such requests, said Lisa Ryan, a Community Affairs spokeswoman.
Richard Constable, commissioner of the department, said that, nevertheless, “we will continue to aggressively advocate to HUD on behalf of storm-affected residents so that they receive the federal assistance they need to get their homes and lives back together.”
In a Feb. 10 letter, HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary Yolanda Chavez cited federal environmental rules as reasons for the decision as well as concern that repair work performed after the grant application date and without an environmental review could destroy historic properties.
A HUD official, who did not wish to be identified, said “we are prohibited by law to do what the state has asked.”
New Jersey is using $710 million in federal funds for the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation program, which provides up to $150,000 for qualified homeowners to repair, elevate or rebuild homes. The money, for primary residences only, is meant to fill gaps not covered by insurance or other grants and is aimed at people at or below moderate-income levels.
About 5,100 Sandy-affected residents have been preliminarily approved, and 7,000 remain on a waiting list, said Ryan, the state DCA spokeswoman.
In response to a Christie administration request, the federal government in July allowed reimbursement for homeowners who had already undertaken repairs. But once they applied for the grants, they were not eligible to be reimbursed for any work that occurred after that date.
Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long said the failure to reimburse homeowners for work after the grant application date “had brought work to a standstill because people were waiting to see if they qualify for the grant,” but she’s noticed that homeowners who have applied for the grant have resumed repair work.
“Many people have decided not to wait and continue to go forward,” she said. “For a lot of people, it’s about getting back in their homes.”
Long, who has been approved for a grant but is awaiting word whether her house will have to be reconstructed or repaired and raised, is still not back in her home.
Rep. Frank Pallone, D-Long Branch, and his staff have started working with HUD after learning of the decision, said Raymond Zaccaro, Pallone’s communications director.
source
Federal regulations thwart reimbursements for N.J. Sandy victims’ latest repair costs
Superstorm Sandy victims still can’t seek reimbursement for home repairs done after the date they applied for a specific government grant, according to federal housing officials who have denied a state request to waive the requirement.
Recognizing that many homeowners have had to halt repairs mid-project when they have applied for funds, the state Department of Community Affairs asked the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to consider changing the policy in December.
It was the latest of several such requests, said Lisa Ryan, a Community Affairs spokeswoman.
Richard Constable, commissioner of the department, said that, nevertheless, “we will continue to aggressively advocate to HUD on behalf of storm-affected residents so that they receive the federal assistance they need to get their homes and lives back together.”
In a Feb. 10 letter, HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary Yolanda Chavez cited federal environmental rules as reasons for the decision as well as concern that repair work performed after the grant application date and without an environmental review could destroy historic properties.
A HUD official, who did not wish to be identified, said “we are prohibited by law to do what the state has asked.”
New Jersey is using $710 million in federal funds for the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation program, which provides up to $150,000 for qualified homeowners to repair, elevate or rebuild homes. The money, for primary residences only, is meant to fill gaps not covered by insurance or other grants and is aimed at people at or below moderate-income levels.
About 5,100 Sandy-affected residents have been preliminarily approved, and 7,000 remain on a waiting list, said Ryan, the state DCA spokeswoman.
In response to a Christie administration request, the federal government in July allowed reimbursement for homeowners who had already undertaken repairs. But once they applied for the grants, they were not eligible to be reimbursed for any work that occurred after that date.
Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long said the failure to reimburse homeowners for work after the grant application date “had brought work to a standstill because people were waiting to see if they qualify for the grant,” but she’s noticed that homeowners who have applied for the grant have resumed repair work.
“Many people have decided not to wait and continue to go forward,” she said. “For a lot of people, it’s about getting back in their homes.”
Long, who has been approved for a grant but is awaiting word whether her house will have to be reconstructed or repaired and raised, is still not back in her home.
Rep. Frank Pallone, D-Long Branch, and his staff have started working with HUD after learning of the decision, said Raymond Zaccaro, Pallone’s communications director.
source
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