Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce completion of the Strategic Recovery Planning Report, part of Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak’s “Union County 2030” planning initiative. The report is provides an overview of the steps needed to prepare for and mitigate the impact of severe storms such as Superstorm Sandy.
“The adage ‘if we fail to plan, we plan to fail’ is especially relevant given that destructive events like Superstorm Sandy are becoming the norm,” said Hudak. “Union County needs a blueprint for the future to compete in the global economy, and part of that involves updating our infrastructure and emergency response capabilities to face the challenges posed by climate change.”
Union County 2030 is a planning initiative that focuses on the long-term creation of jobs, sustainable development, transportation, and economic competitiveness issues.
As part of Union County’s post-Sandy planning efforts, the Strategic Recovery Planning Report was produced through a state Department of Community Affairs grant with monies obtained from federal Sandy recovery funds. The actions outlined in the report will enable Union County to secure additional funding for specific long range planning goals.
The Strategic Recovery Planning Report will serve as a blueprint to reduce Union County’s vulnerability to destructive storms while promoting balanced economic growth.
As provided for by the state Department of Community Affairs, the report focuses on “community livability” principles including affordable housing, economic competitiveness, support for existing communities, and coordination with federal policies and funding.
The report identifies a number of areas that are candidates for additional state funding for planning purposes:
- Evacuating or providing aid to vulnerable neighborhoods and populations.
- Provide recommendations to urban coastal towns about resilient land uses and land use planning practices.
- Analyze the Raritan Valley stream corridor to provide recommendations based on existing best practices.
- Improve the system for documenting work done during an emergency.
- Develop a virtual “emergency operation center” with full communication to all County and municipal personnel.
The report was prepared for Union County by T&M Associates of Middletown, NJ. To view the report or download a free copy, https://ucnj.org/government/public-notice/