Army Corps nixes fed funds for flood problems

Officials vow to find solutions to Crampton Avenue water woes

BY JAY BODAS

Staff Writer

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has recommended against using federal funds to fix flooding problems in the Crampton Avenue area.

A recent Corps study of a 10-square-mile area revealed that it would cost more to fund flood remediation projects than it would to pay for the estimated damage from flooding over the next 50 years, said Jason Shea, a Corps engineer.

“We have been looking for answers, and we don’t release negative reports lightly,” Shea told residents and officials at a Jan. 9 meeting at the Cameo Banquet Center to discuss their concerns.

“We don’t like to do it,” he said. “So when we’re wrapping up this report, we look at the worst case for flooding, and we ask our engineers and economists if they are sure, and we take it very seriously. There are cases where the Corps recommends measures such as tide gates and levees, which are very expensive features, and I do hope there are other features that can be done for lower-level events, so you don’t have the flooding.”

Congressman Mike Ferguson (R-7) agreed last week to continue to work with area residents, despite the Corps’ findings.

Ferguson, Corps representatives, state Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-19), township officials and a state Department of Environmental Protection representative met with residents at a Jan. 9 meeting at the Cameo Banquet Center to discuss residents’ concerns about the flooding problems.

The Corps has a process to justify expenditures, which includes identifying the problem, estimating damages if nothing is done and forecasting future conditions that must be followed, Shea said.

“We formulate plans including floodwall gates, and we compare no action to a plan, and whichever one is most beneficial in terms of cost of project versus damages, then we recommend or not recommend construction,” he said. “I know that is no benefit to you to hear me say that, but that is the process for the federal government to justify where the dollars would be spent for construction.”

Crampton Avenue resident Leon Seyglinski said during the meeting that the flooding problem is getting worse.

“Right now I pay $900 in flood insurance, and I get structure insurance, nothing else,” Seyglinski said. “We have had no storms lately. The other day we had no nor’easter — we had a little rain. The mayor came down, and Crampton and Heidelberg were flooded. It is getting worse. What’s going to happen when we have a nasty nor’easter?”

Fellow Crampton Avenue resident Dennis Martin and his wife have lived in the area for 32 years. He said after the meeting, he was pleased with the township’s efforts so far, but he thought the purpose of the meeting was to hear progress on the issue.

“I think Mayor [Frank G.] Pelzman is doing a good job, but the question is, can he do it?” Martin said. “I don’t know. As far as I’m concerned, he wants it done, but the Army Corps does not want it. They are worried about spending money on flooding. How many studies are needed before you get action? Basically, this meeting seems like a rehash of the last meeting. It’s redundant. I thought we were going to hear some results tonight.”

The flooding issues are also making some newer residents anxious.

“This is all new to us, we just moved in,” said Heidelberg Avenue resident Debbie Papierz. “We have already walked through our neighbor’s yard to get home. It is making us very nervous. And the last couple of rains, it seems like all the rain ends up in front of our house. It seems like Heidelberg Avenue is the worst.”

The township has hired Najarian Associates of Eatontown, a civil engineering and environmental consulting firm, to evaluate the Corps’ report and to see if cost-effective solutions to address the flooding issue still remain.

The firm will submit its assessment to Pelzman within a month or two, said Najarian representative and marine scientist Dr. Joseph Dilorenzo after the meeting.

“We have the Army Corps’ report, and we will look to possibly modify some of their schemes to help them be more doable,” he said. “And yes, the Corps has more experience than anyone in building levees, but we have a longer history of working in this area than the Corps, and we have studied the area since 1998.”

Ferguson said he understands the reasons for the Corps’ decision, but that he remains committed to finding an answer.

“Because of my experience working with Army Corps, I know a lot and learned a lot about this cost-analysis that needs to go on,” Ferguson said. “If we are talking about federal dollars, we are still talking about your tax money. I for one am glad we have a stringent process to go through to make sure it is spent wisely. We have a high bar. We are talking about an enormous amount of money, millions and millions of dollars.”

Ferguson said he approved of the township hiring Najarian Associates to review the Corps’ report.

“The Corps is kind of like our doctor,” Ferguson said. “If you are not sure of the diagnosis, you get a second opinion, and that’s what [the Town Council] has done. I am not an engineer, but I see a problem, and I want to find a way to get it solved.”

Vitale said that dredging the river area might be a possible answer, and that state aid could be available.

“Dredging is a possibility, but over time you have to continue to redredge, and when you have a much more free-flowing waterway, that is just one more part of the puzzle,” he said. “I think now it is time to act, and state dollars are certainly available, but with the enormity of the problem, the scientists and professionals understand this much more than we do.”

The township has the Corps’ preliminary report, but will not release it until it becomes final, the mayor said after the meeting.

“It is up to [the Corps] if they want to release it,” Pelzman said. “I am waiting for Najarian Associates to review the Corps’ report and come back with suggestions that are not as grandiose, but something so that when we get normal rain, the residents don’t have to worry.”

Pelzman said he thought the evening went well.

“Now that we got the congressman involved, we can make some moves here,” he said. “It’s going to come down to funding. I can’t control the tides or the Nor’easter, but I do tell you this, we will stay on top of this, and once the report is reviewed by Najarian, there has got to be some alternative.”

Vesper Avenue resident Evelyn York agreed with the mayor’s assessment.

“For the first time, I feel real concern from everyone, from all council members and Mayor Pelzman,” York said. “I think everyone has been wonderful, and it’s the first time people have been hearing us. I am very happy with the Town Council. Before the current administration, it fell on deaf ears. I feel very confident they are going to keep addressing the problem.”