More than $900 Million, New Resource Directory Will Support Short- and Long-term Recovery
One year after Tropical Storm Ida struck New Jersey, claiming 30 lives and damaging homes and businesses across the state, Governor Phil Murphy highlighted state investments toward building resilient local communities. In addition to the more than $650 million devoted to expansive response and recovery efforts to date, the Administration is supporting recently established Ida recovery funding programs with $283 million. Governor Murphy also announced the launch of disasterhelp.nj.gov, a new one-stop website to navigate federal and state recovery resources available in the aftermath of a storm.
“As we remember the tragic storm that touched down in our state one year ago, we not only lament what we lost that day, but reflect upon what we have gained since then in terms of knowledge, resources, and a renewed focus on the urgency of the climate crisis,” said Governor Murphy. “Hillsborough – like so many other resilient communities that bounced back after Ida – is a quintessential example of what we as New Jerseyans can achieve for our residents, homes, and businesses when we build back smarter. Through intentional investments and the development of a user-friendly resource directory, we’re ensuring that disaster recovery is more efficient and long-lasting for residents and business owners alike.”
Through its comprehensive short-term recovery approach, the Murphy Administration distributed state and federal funding for the following programs:
Additionally, the Murphy Administration’s long-term recovery responses entail both the $283 million HUD Recovery Plan and applying for billions of federal dollars available through FEMA’s competitive hazard mitigation funding programs, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA). Complementing these significant investments toward short- and long-term recovery efforts is the rollout of disasterhelp.nj.gov, which will provide New Jersey residents, small businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations with a directory of resources to prepare for and recover from disasters. A “Create your Disaster Recovery Plan” interactive tool on the homepage will help end users locate programs that meet their individual needs.
“One year later, we’re still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ida,” said U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski. “But we’re also becoming more resilient, with billions of new federal dollars to help impacted residents and business owners, an infrastructure bill that is delivering support to flood control projects, and now the biggest national investment ever in fighting climate change. I will keep working to bring these resources home to New Jersey.”
“We understand that help can’t come soon enough for people and communities affected by Hurricane Ida, which is why DCA is working through the federal process as quickly as possible so we can begin assisting people,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Deputy Commissioner Sam Viavattine. “With the leadership of Lt. Governor Oliver and the commitment of the staff at DCA, I’m confident we are on the road to a fair and equitable recovery that will lead to a more resilient New Jersey.”
“Although a year has passed, FEMA remains committed to supporting the state of New Jersey through Ida recovery and helping the state become more resilient against the damage of future storms,” said FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “We know that disasters impact individuals and communities differently and FEMA’s BRIC and FMA programs are just two ways to help communities fund hazard mitigation activities equitably.”
“A year ago today large portions of the country were hit by Hurricane Ida leaving destruction in its wake, destruction that took six lives here in Somerset County,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “We are grateful to Governor Murphy for being here for our residents during and after the storm, and continuing to deliver resources a year later for those who are still working towards a full recovery.” “Hillsborough, as well as a vast majority of the state, was severely impacted by Ida 1 year ago today,” said Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani. “Immediately after the Storm we transitioned from rescue to assisting those most impacted with the process of recovery and rebuilding. The events today bring us one step closer to that end and hopefully closer to the end of a very difficult time for all.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 7:30 p.m. Trenton Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation on Spring Street. Two people were found shot, and Trenton EMS, Trenton Fire, and Captial Health Paramedics were detailed to the scene. Two people were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, one trauma alert and one trauma code. It was reported that police are looking for two suspects in the area. There were unconfirmed reports of others who may have been brought to the hospital by private vehicle before police arrived.
This is a breaking news story. Once official information becomes available updates and corrections will be made.
FLEMINGTON, NJ (HUNTERDON)–Just before 6:00 a.m., a fire was reported in the first block of Fulper Road. Heavy fire was found in the original fire building that was extending to other surrounding building. Numerous additional fire departments including a tanker task force were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters battled the flames for about an hour before bringing the fire under control. No additional information is available at this time.
NJ Public Safety News Alerts
EWING-WEST TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the summer season, which means thousands will be taking advantage of the long weekend to not only enjoy many of New Jersey’s tourist attractions like our beautiful beaches, state parks, and lakes, but to gather with friends and families to celebrate at cookouts as the weather forecast favorably points to mostly sunny and dry days ahead. We would like to remind drivers that safe motor vehicle operation is the first step to ensuring a great holiday for everyone, so please drive responsibly and carefully to close out the summer of 2022.
During the 2021 Labor Day holiday period, eight of the nine fatal crashes in New Jersey involved impairment from alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor. These types of tragedies can be easily avoided. If you plan on drinking alcohol this weekend, call a taxi, use a transportation service such as Uber or Lyft, have a designated driver, or make plans to stay where you are.
The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 2 to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6. During this period, more than 112 additional troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.
The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau will also be patrolling the state’s waterways, focusing on impaired boat operation and people recklessly operating personal watercrafts and other powered vessels. Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercraft. A good synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.
“We have 112 additional troopers on patrol for Labor Day Weekend in the constant effort to keep our family and friends safe, but we cannot do it alone. We ask that everyone enjoy themselves responsibly and bring our fatal crash numbers down to zero for the 2022 holiday weekend,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday weekend.”
With no plans of pedestrian overpass, will “First-in-the-Nation” technology improve the “Intersection of Horror” Lalor Street and Route 129?
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A roadside memorial remembering those killed at the “Most Dangerous Intersection In America” Lalor Street and Route 129 was recently installed. The memorial consists of several shoes representing those killed and a sign with the names of the deceased.
On August 29, 2022 legislators and the NJ Department of Transportation announced a Pedestrian Safety Improvement project along the Route 129 corridor in the City of Trenton, Mercer County.
“Initial short-term improvements will include a first-in-the-nation Red Clearance Extension system. This smart, predictive technology detects the speed of a vehicle approaching an intersection and automatically adjusts traffic signal changes. Additional improvements include revising the traffic signal timing at each intersection to provide pedestrians more time to cross, adding signal backplates to increase visibility, and installing upgraded, advanced warning signs over the roadway to replace ground-mounted signs.”
The “first-in-the-nation technological improvements” to the intersections were mentioned but many residents expressed their concern that they want a pedestrian overpass. There is no pedestrian overpass planned, in the latest press information provided by DOT and legislators.
Only time will tell if the lighting and other improvements with no pedestrian overpass make a difference at the “Intersection of Horror” or is this just a cheap way out to say they did something.
MONTGOMERY, NJ (SOMERSET)–This September, Patrick Liu, a long-term resident of Montgomery, NJ and graduate of Montgomery High School (class of 2008), will be cycling in Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer (C2C4C), a cross-country ride to raise money for cancer research. Liu will be riding in honor of his mother who was diagnosed and beat olfactory neuroblastoma, a cancer of her nose nerves, three times.
“My mom’s sheer-force of will and positive attitude in the face of cancer has been a huge inspiration for me,” says Liu. “I am inspired to never give up as I train for this ride just as my mom persevered while fighting this disease in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Despite facing several complications from her diagnosis, she continues to live every day like it’s the best day ever.”
He remembers all the extended family, friends and colleagues who supported his family throughout his mom’s cancer journey. For Liu, this sense of community is something he feels the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride also helps foster connecting him even more with his family, as well as cancer patients and their loved ones.
Liu will be joining more than 126 fellow Bristol Myers Squibb employees who will set out to ride up to 80 miles per day for three days, contributing to nearly 3,000 miles from Cannon Beach, OR to Long Branch, NJ, as part of the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride.
“As I prepare for the incredible feat, I am reminded of what my mom went through in her cancer journey, which has kept me going through five months of rigorous training and as I anticipate all the climbs that I will face in my ~225 mile segment from Boise, ID to Salt Lake City, UT from September 12-15.”
Since 2014, more than 760 Bristol Myers Squibb employees have raised more than $9.83 million for cancer research through the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride. This year, the epic cycling event will once again raise funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a charitable organization dedicated to achieving Victory Over Cancer® through research.
For Patrick, the ride represents the challenges cancer patients face daily and just like the patients, he hopes to come out the other side stronger.
For more information and to donate to the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, visit the website here.
This September, Patrick Liu, a long-term resident of Montgomery, NJ and graduate of Montgomery High School (class of 2008), will be cycling in Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer (C2C4C), a cross-country ride to raise money for cancer research. Liu will be riding in honor of his mother who was diagnosed and beat olfactory neuroblastoma, a cancer of her nose nerves, three times.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lakewood Township Chief of Police Gregory Meyer are seeking the public’s assistance with a fatal hit and run involving a pick-up truck and a bicyclist that occurred at approximately 8:12 pm on Thursday, September 1st, 2022, at the intersection of Route 70 and New Hampshire Ave. in Lakewood Township.
“We are seeking assistance in locating a full size, four door ‘Pepsi Blue’ pick-up truck with possible front, driver’s side headlamp damage. The vehicle was last seen traveling west on Route 70 toward Manchester Township and is believed to be involved the fatal hit and run of a Hispanic male that was riding his bicycle westbound on Route 70 on the south shoulder of the roadway. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the vehicle and/or its operator is asked to please contact Detective Andrew Harnett of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office- Vehicular Homicide Unit at 732-929-2027, ext. 3790, or Lakewood Township Police Lieutenant Leroy Marshall at 732-363-0200, ext. 5349,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“This is obviously an ongoing and active investigation and any assistance from anyone that may have witnessed this incident or has seen this vehicle would be greatly appreciated,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)-– A two-vehicle collision in Tinton Falls that left two people dead yesterday evening remains under investigation, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.
Shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, members of the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Tinton Falls Police Department responded to the area of Shafto Road (County Route 547) and Asbury Avenue (County Road 16). At that location, first responders located the two vehicles involved in the collision: a 2021 Audi S6 driven by a 36-year-old male resident of Manalapan, and a 2005 Ford Freestyle driven by a 52-year-old female resident of Brick Township.
The female motorist was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the male driver was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries a short while later. There were no passengers in either vehicle, and the identities of the drivers are being temporarily withheld pending family notification.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County SCART and Tinton Falls Police Department. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information about it is urged to contact MCPO Detective Brian Boryszewski at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Corporal David Ebert at 732-542-4422.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Individuals ages 12 and older are now able to obtain a COVID-19 bivalent booster dose, which should be received two months after their most recent booster or primary series. This updated version of COVID-19 boosters offers stronger protections against severe illness and death from Omicron sub-variants. The recommendation by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) follows the recommendation from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer and the Moderna bivalent boosters. New Jersey has received allocations of both Pfizer and Moderna bivalent boosters, which are being delivered to vaccine providers. Over 800 sites are expected to have bivalent booster doses in the coming days. Individuals can find locations offering the boosters on the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Community Calendar at covid19.nj.gov. As bivalent vaccines, these boosters will target both the original COVID-19 strain as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. Omicron is currently causing most U.S. COVID-19 cases and are predicted to circulate this fall and winter as well, according to the FDA. “As we continue to adapt our response to COVID-19 to protect public health, these new boosters have been updated to target commonly-circulating variants in order to guard individuals against severe illness this fall,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and to stay up to date on their boosters, as vaccines are our greatest tool in the fight against COVID-19.” “COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective and continue to protect against serious illness and save lives. With children back in school and the upcoming fall and winter holidays, the new bivalent vaccine will give New Jerseyans additional protections against these highly transmissible subvariants,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “As always, if you have yet to get any COVID-19 vaccine or booster, we strongly encourage you to get one today to help protect yourself, your family and community.” The new Pfizer bivalent booster is recommended for all individuals ages 12 and older, while the Moderna bivalent booster is recommended for those ages 18 and older. People can get the bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccination series or two months after they have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. In its statement, the CDC said in the coming weeks, the agency also expects to recommend updated COVID-19 boosters for other pediatric groups. When data are available and FDA authorizes these other types of COVID-19 boosters, CDC will quickly move to help make them available in the United States, according to the statement. “If you are eligible, there is no bad time to get your COVID-19 booster and I strongly encourage you to receive it,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., in the statement. Currently, nearly 81% of New Jerseyans have completed their primary series, and more than 54% have received a first booster. COVID-19 primary series vaccines continue to be recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters are recommended for every eligible individual ages 5 years and older. Going forward, bivalent boosters will be the sole version of COVID-19 boosters available to anyone ages 12 years and older. Eligibility for all COVID-19 vaccine doses and boosters can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
WOODBRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Robert Hubner of the Woodbridge Police Department announced today supplementing yesterday’s press release, involving law enforcement’s response to an apparent murder/suicide involving a husband and wife that occurred yesterday afternoon on Soren Street in the Fords section of the Township.
At approximately 4:37 p.m., Woodbridge Police officers responded to a 911 call regarding an unresponsive female laying on the front lawn in front of a residence. Upon arrival, officers located the female, who was later identified as Lynn Jasper, 69 of Fords. It was determined that she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Jasper was pronounced at the scene.
Woodbridge police, along with multiple other law enforcement agencies, then attempted to determine if the anyone was still in the residence. Officers entered and James Jasper, 66, of Fords, was located deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This investigation is active and being investigated as a murder/suicide. Authorities have determined that there is no threat to the public. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Perry Penna of the Woodbridge Police Department at (732) 602-7326 or Detective Ryan Tighe of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4335.
SAYREVILLE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today that Thomas V. Pollando, the Sayreville Borough Democratic Chairman, has been arrested and charged with accepting bribes.
Over a several week period in July and August 2022, Detectives from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office were conducting electronic surveillance of a business in Sayreville. While conducting surveillance, detectives observed Pollando accept several thousands of dollars in cash, and state that he would attempt to use his political clout to influence an ongoing criminal case.
An investigation conducted by Sergeant Joseph Celantano and Detective Shadi Zaiton of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined Pollando, has influence and strong ties to the community. Pollando was a former Sayreville Borough council president, current vice- chairman of the Middlesex County Planning Board, long-time president of the Sayreville Athletic Association. Pollando also holds a seat on the Sayreville Economic & Redevelopment Authority and is currently employed with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Pollando, 72, of Parlin, was subsequently arrested after leaving the business and was found in possession of the cash payment. Pollando was charged with second-degree bribery in official matters, and second-degree receipt of unlawful benefit by public servant for official behavior. Pollando was charged on a summons and released the day of the arrest.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Zaiton of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4263.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Pollando are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A statement from Middlesex County Board of Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios
regarding the allegations against Middlesex County Planning Board Member Thomas Pollando
“We are deeply troubled by the allegations against Planning Board Member Thomas Pollando. Actions like those alleged are fully unbecoming of anyone in public service. We urge him to resign as soon as possible to give the boards he is currently affiliated with time to regroup and rebuild.”
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