Little Falls Secures Some Buyout Money From FEMA
LITTLE FALLS, NJ (WCBS 880) - Flood waters are long gone but residents are still struggling in Little Falls.
WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story
Podcast
Part of the town still looks like a war zone.
"I lost everything," said one woman.
Tattered remnants of homes can be seen discarded on front lawns and destined for a dumpster.
"Once everybody leaves, everybody's lives goes on, but we're still in the mess," said Rishi Mahadiho.
He has black mold in his home and will have to rip out much of the first floor.
Mahadiho says he'd gladly accept a buyout.
FEMA has come up with close to $6 million to purchase four homes and elevate 29 others.
"It's a step in the right direction for those people that are severely impacted, but no, it doesn't solve the problem and that's why we need to keep beating the drums, as you say, to get the attention of the federal government to come in here and, once and for all, solve this problem," Mayor Mike DeFrancisci told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams.
DeFrancisci suggests building flood walls or levees and dredging.
"If the Netherlands can hold back the North Sea, then why can't we fix the Passaic River?" he said.
He's organizing a flood summit in the next few weeks.
If the flooding weren't bad enough, a scam letter about "Financial Recovery Awards" was sent to residents.
How is your flood recovery going? Share your story below in the comments section.
