Update: Recovery Efforts Continue in Monroe Township Following Tropical Storm Henri
Residents struggle as restoration expected to take many months
MONROE TOWNSHIP– September 17, 2021 – Monroe Township continues to assist residents recovering from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Henri that deluged nine inches of rain over several hours on Sunday, August 22.
Tropical Storm Henri’s impact was primarily limited to Monroe Township, Helmetta, Jamesburg, Cranbury, Spotswood and East Brunswick. Despite efforts by every town, FEMA has indicated that damage from Tropical Storm Henri does not meet the monetary threshold necessary to qualify for federal (FEMA) disaster relief funding.
“I, along with my fellow Mayors, expressed our extreme disappointment and frustration to FEMA and our federal representatives that our residents most likely do not qualify,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina. “While, Tropical Storm Henri was not as widespread as Tropical Storm Ida, our residents were no less impacted and deserved federal support.”
“Monroe, as a community, will continue to do everything we can to assist our residents impacted by Henri – several of whom have endured very significant property damage and are struggling,” Dalina added.
Monroe Township has taken the actions listed below to assist impacted Monroe residents:
- Township staff, led by the building and code department, have worked along with JCP&L to restore power and air conditioning to the more 130 affected residents. As of today, 10 homes still need additional work before power can be restored.
- The Department of Public Works has removed almost 400 tons of debris placed on the curb by flooded residents and the work continues.
- Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management established a command center within the Rossmoor community and hosted a resource and assistance fair on Friday, August 27 from 9am – 1pm at the Rossmoor clubhouse. Anyone that experienced flooding in Monroe Township was welcomed to attend and gather information.
- Currently, Monroe Township is working with over 15 households that were flooded under the Monroe Township Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program to expedite the application and approvals necessary to begin immediate repairs. This program was established under the larger Monroe Township Housing Element and Fair Share Plan to assist income eligible residents repair their homes to comply with current housing codes and safety standards. Flooding victims can call 732-521-4400, ext. 160 for more information and expedited review.
- The Monroe Township Food pantry has distributed 116 bags of food and sundries to flood impacted residents. Any resident in need of services from the Food Pantry may call 609-448-7140.
- The Monroe Township Library established a Community Donation Relief Fund that has collected $25,000 in monetary donations and gift cards to date. These donations will begin to be equitably distributed to residents throughout the township where people were impacted by the storm.
Donations are being accepted through the end of the month. Anyone wishing to donate money, checks or gift cards may either drop-off or mail to the library attention: Friends of the Monroe Township Library (501c3), 4 Municipal Plaza. Residents impacted by the storm that need this monetary assistance may contact the library at 732-521-5000.
- The Mayor and the Administration are working on additional programs to support residents, including the American Recovery Act, to assist those impacted by Tropical Storm Henri.
Residents who still require assistance may email the Office of Emergency Management at
While the Township assists in the recovery, Mayor Dalina has recommended that Township professionals begin to look at long-term mitigations in response to the steady increase in storm frequency and intensity. “While any community may struggle with a nine-inch deluge of rain, we must review and identify any potential long-term improvements and mitigations for our Township,” Mayor Dalina said. He has asked the Township Engineer and other related professionals to review the entire stormwater management system in coordination with Middlesex County regional basins and the State of New Jersey.
“We will not forget our residents in need, and we steadfastly continue our recovery efforts from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Henri,” said Dalina. “Our OEM team will continue to keep the public informed of updates as they become available.”
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