Mayor David Brown is pleased to announce that thanks to the tireless efforts of the Township Council and administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) will reimburse the Township in excess of $1.9 million additional dollars for costs associated with the July 2004 floods. The Township previously received approximately $930,000 in reimbursement related to the catastrophic event. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the funds will come from FEMA with the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

“This is a great day for the people of Medford. The Township has pursued these funds steadily since the remediation work was done. Finally, our pleas have been heard and our hard work has paid off,” explained the Mayor. Councilman Chris Myers added, “Too often we hear about recovery efforts from natural disasters in other parts of the country.

When the events of the July 2004 flood struck home, our emergency responders put forth incredible effort to save lives and property. We expended millions of dollars in repairing the extensive damage with FEMA’s acknowledgement, and with the expectation that the federal government was there to assist us financially. After aggressive action on Medford’s part over the past four years, FEMA has recognized the effort put forth, and has confirmed it will reimburse the Medford taxpayers for these actions.”

The flood occurred in the Summer of 2004, and the Township efforts to obtain reimbursement were undertaken soon thereafter. FEMA authorized the recovery work, however, it initially would only reimburse the Township $131,360 for certain work, including the repair of sewer main and roadway wiped out by the flood at Ramblewood Drive. The Township appealed FEMA’s limited reimbursement decision in both 2006 and 2007. With those appeals pending, the Township continued to press representatives from FEMA for the recovery of funds it was due.

“Our residents should be proud of the commitment put forth by our emergency responders. Thanks to the quick and decisive action of dedicated men and women, no lives were lost during the storm and recovery efforts,” lauded Councilwoman Mary Ann O’Brien. “The efforts by the Township after the storm to make repairs, and pursue reimbursement are also to be commended,” she continued.

Councilman Joseph Lynn noted, “We continued to press the position with FEMA that the destroyed sewer pipe would have contaminated the lakes and shorelines downstream if not immediately corrected, creating a public health problem. We had to bypass sewage and rebuild the system while holding back millions of gallons of water from upstream. The end result was a great effort by emergency responders, Township staff and the construction team.”

FEMA representatives have now confirmed that the Township’s emergency repair and remediation efforts will be reimbursed the additional $1.9 million, on top of the funds originally received. The Township expects to receive those funds by the month’s end.

“In the end we just wanted to be treated fairly, like any other town that is devastated by a natural event. We are thankful that FEMA has ultimately acknowledged our efforts and will reimburse our expenses,” concluded Deputy Mayor Robert Martin.

CONTACT: MICHAEL ACHEY, TOWNSHIP MANAGER
(609) 654-2608 x328

Family Fun Day at Fort Medford Playground on July 18th

On Saturday, July 18th make plans to join in the fun and also support a wonderful cause by attending the Family Fun Day at Fort Medford Playground located in Bob Meyer Park. The event will take place from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm with all proceeds going to help build the planned 100% handicapped accessible playground addition to Fort Medford.

For the past year dedicated members of the Fort Medford Playground Committee have been working diligently to raise the funds necessary to build this special playground designed for both children and adults with special needs, but also fun for all children of all ages. This addition is to be incorporated with the existing Fort Medford that was built in 1995 with donations and the labor of many volunteers.

The goal of raising the $100,000 needed is now within sight, but $20,000 is still required to begin building the playground, which will be the first of its kind in Burlington County.

The benefit that will be held on Saturday will include fun field games, an All-Star Band line-up including “The Feables” and “UFT,” picnic food, face painting, clowns, a multitude of Chinese auction gift baskets, and children’s games complete with prizes. Your support of this event will help to make the dream of the not only 100% accessible, but also “green” eco-friendly playground, a reality in the very near future.

If you would like to volunteer for the Fun Day, call Dottie Spellman at 609-654-0563. If you like to make a donation, contact Committee Co-Chair Kyle Koszowski at 856-988-1552.

The Fort Medford Playground in Bob Meyer Park is located at 2 Commonwealth Road just off of Gravelly Hollow Road, next to the Township Public Works Facility. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday, July 19th. For additional information, please call the Medford Recreation Department at 609-654-2512.

The Medford Township Council is pleased to announce that it will again offer its annual Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3^rd, 2009. One of the largest celebrations in Burlington County, over 40,000 area residents are expected to gather for the festivities at Freedom Park, located at 86 Union Street. (at Jones Road one block south of Route 70)

The festivities will begin at 6:00 pm with moonbounce-type inflatables for the kids. At 7:00 pm, the renowned “All About Me” band returns to perform on our main stage performing a variety of pop tunes from the 50’s to today’s hits that will delight young and old alike. (www.allaboutmelive.com)

Also this year, the Township Council is proud to announce that the newly formed “Medford Returning Veterans Committee” is planning an unprecedented welcome home event for several recently returned Veterans that have served our community in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This event will take place beginning at 6:00 pm on the Main Stage. The Township Council formed this Committee in early 2009 in order to welcome returning veterans to the local Medford area community, and to sponsor local homecoming events to celebrate and honor their service. Committee members appointed by the Council include Chair Nino DePasquale, Michael Panarella, Jim Ewan, Dottie Spellman and Col. Joseph Bartasius. Mayor David Brown and Deputy Mayor Bob Martin serve as Council liaisons to this Committee.

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