Authorizes payment of relocation costs under Blue Acres program.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shama Haider

The bill اجازه relocation payments for Blue Acres buyouts, ensuring eligible homeowners/tenants receive funds for moving and related costs to relocate safely.

Summary of Bill A-5346 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

The bill authorizes payment of relocation costs for certain property owners and occupants as part of the Blue Acres program.

Blue Acres is the State Flood Hazard and Hurricane Sandy recovery program that acquires flood-prone properties and relocates residents to safer locations. This bill expands or clarifies financial assistance linked to those relocations.

Key provisions

Authorization of relocation cost payments: The bill provides for payment of costs incurred by eligible individuals or households who relocate as part of Blue Acres activities.

Scope of eligible costs: While the exact enumerated items are not listed here, relocation costs typically include moving expenses, temporary housing, and related expenses necessary to relocate from a property acquired under Blue Acres.

Administration and eligibility: The bill outlines who is eligible to receive relocation payments (likely current owners or occupants of properties acquired under Blue Acres) and establishes the process for applying for and receiving funds. It may specify required documentation and verification procedures.

Funding source: The measure designates the funding mechanism for these relocation payments, potentially drawing from Blue Acres program funds or related state resources allocated for flood hazard mitigation and buyout efforts.

Relationship to existing program: The bill works within the framework of Blue Acres, aligning relocation payments with ongoing or planned property acquisitions and relocations.

Affected parties

Property owners and occupants in areas targeted by the Blue Acres program who are eligible for relocation under the program.

Local governments or municipalities involved in Blue Acres projects may be affected via administration or coordination requirements.

State agencies overseeing Blue Acres and flood hazard mitigation programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill would become law upon enactment and any specified effective date, with implementation guided by program rules.

It may require the development of regulations or operating procedures by the agency administering Blue Acres to process and disburse relocation payments.

If appropriations are included, there may be budgetary timelines or fiscal notes detailing funding availability and expenditure limits.

Practical impact

Provides a clearer financial pathway for individuals and families moving as part of buyout efforts, potentially reducing out-of-pocket relocation burdens.

Aims to expedite or streamline the relocation process by ensuring funds are available to cover essential moving and transition costs.

Improves program attractiveness and fairness by ensuring relocation assistance is explicitly authorized and payable.

Additional notes

Co-sponsor: Shama Haider.

For full implementation details, including exact eligible costs, caps, application procedures, and funding levels, consult the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal or committee analyses.