Hunterdon County still recovering from Ida's devastation

 FLEMINGTON - Hunterdon County is still recovering from Hurricane Ida a year ago.

More than nine inches of rain fell in just a few hours and flash floods in Flemington killed people. Motorists were stranded on flooded highways and spillways over normally flowing streams blocked by strong currents.

It could be worse. County first responders performed 300 water rescues during the storm, County Board Commissioner John Lanza said. The district call center received 2,889 calls by 4:00 p.m. September 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on September 2, 2021, County Public Safety Officer Brayden Fahey said. County Commissioner Susan Soloway said, “Despite the dangers these floods present, we have witnessed the courage and heroism of the county's first responders. Many of them are volunteers and work to rescue victims from flooded roads, homes and vehicles. I'm in a hurry," he said.

Hardest hit was Lambertville on the Delaware River. Some residents have yet to return home and federal recovery aid is pouring in.

Roads and bridges in the county suffered severe damage as homes in Lambertville were destroyed and basements in Hunterdon were flooded. County Commissioner Sean Van Doren said, “The county is still working daily with FEMA throughout the recovery process. "The county is currently seeking more than $6.3 million in federal damages and costs for 26 individual projects."
The county recently submitted a proposal to repair Alexauken Creek Road in West Amwell, Van Doren said. Lanza said the county contracted with national emergency and disaster management firm AshBritt to remove more than 7,200 yards of debris from Lambertville and Stockton.

Ida's memories are filled with destruction and horror, but the residents must remember her heroic deeds with the help of their neighbors. “In remembering the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida, I think we should remember how the people of Hunterdon County came together in times of need. From the first responders saving lives, to the countless non-profits helping the displaced, to the many businesses providing food and supplies, we saw the best of Hunterdon County,” said Zachary T. Empire.

County Commissioner Jeff Kuhl added, "I will never forget the impact Ida had on our community." "What amazed me about that storm was the courage of the first responders and the many who battled the odds. Thanks to the many volunteers and the Township of Hunterdon and the many others who helped on Saturday. They participated in the prevention measures.

 

Read more: https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/hunterdon-county/2022/09/03/hunterdon-county-nj-hurricane-ida/65469927007/