Wayne starts scrapping flood-prone homes

NEW JERSEY The township is using nearly $6 million in state and federal funds to buy and tear down 34 homes that fall victim when the Pompton River overflows its banks.

Officials want to eventually remove all 120 homes and allow the land to return to a natural state.

Wayne leads the state in the number of properties that sustain repetitive losses.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency tells The Record of Bergen County it will make more funds available for buyouts this year.

The state also will make money available.