The Star-Ledger
by MaryAnn Soto
February 12, 2013

The state’s quick adoption of FEMA’s advisory flood maps was sharply criticized Monday by Democratic state senators who said some residents will needlessly spend tens of thousands of dollars to raise their homes to standards that could be eased.

Calling the requirements adopted last month by the Department of Environmental Protection "insane," Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex) asked scientists at a hearing in Toms River if the maps are "scientifically valid."

At least two scientists — who testified before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee — declined to answer, but Stewart Farrell, director of the Coastal Research Center of the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, said the maps are flawed when taking wave action into account.

(excerpted)
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/02...question_a.html