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Flood-Damaged Homes In NJ To Be Bought Out By FEMA

WAYNE, NJ (WCBS 880) - Many in New Jersey are fed up with the frequent flooding in their area and want out.

WCBS 880's Levon Putney On The Story

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Maureen Sullivan lives in the Hoffmans Grove area of Wayne and most of the homes there are being bought out.

"Everytime it rains now, you get that paranoid stomach ache," she says.

Over $28 million in federal dollars is going to buy out 56 homes in Wayne, along with dozens more in other towns along the Passaic and Pompton Rivers.

Here are the detailed amounts:
· $6.3 million for approximately 56 homes in Wayne
· $3.1 million for approximately 13 homes in Pompton Lakes
· $2.9 million for approximately 15 homes in Little Falls
· $4.1 million for approximately 18 homes in Lincoln Park
· $3.1 million for approximately 12 homes in Fairfield
· $3.8 million for approximately 15 homes in Pequannock
· $2.9 million for approximately 13 homes in Manville
· $1.9 million for approximately 7 homes in Middlesex

Sen. Frank Lautenberg says the homes will be torn down, returning the land to green space.

"Instead of water flooding a family's basement, it will, technically, [be] absorbed by the natural environment," Lautenberg said on Friday.

A FEMA representative promised more help for flood-prone areas along the Raritan River and other spots not helped this time.

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