LTMUA Talks Funding Alternatives for Water Connection

VILLAS – Lower Township Hall was packed to capacity Oct. 4 as representatives of the Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA), the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) combined to meet with Villas residents to talk water and money. 
Introduced by LTMUA Board member Stephen Sheftz, Joseph Robotin of the NJHMFA and Deborah Tort of the USDA presented Villas residents with funding alternatives for the mandatory water connection project that is on-going in that section of Lower Township.
Sheftz explained that residents who are in the immediate zone where water is being installed will receive a registered letter to that effect.  Residents have one year to begin the connection process or they risk being billed for the water whether they use it or not.
LTMUA Executive Director Michael Chapman explained that homeowners should consider making any plumbing upgrades that may be needed at this point to be sure their water service is at its’ best, such as whole house shutoffs and replacement of aging pipes. Chapman also advised residents to get more than one quote from a licensed plumber; costs for the hook-up are normally in the area of $1,000.
Sheftz then outlined the LTMUA no-interest loan program for low-income residents that is available to qualified residents; these residents will pay a monthly minimum of $50 until the loan is paid in full. They were advised to check the MUA website for details on availability. 
Robotin introduced a state no-interest loan of up to $10,000 for a 10-year period; the only cost beyond the principal will be a yearly 1 percent service fee. There is also a $75 application fee required to cover costs of credit reports, title searches, etc.
Robotin stated that residents can inquire for more detailed information and apply online at njhousing.gov.
Tort explained the basics of USDA’s grant program. This program is designed for residents 62 years of age or older, and who can qualify as a low-income resident. She gave an example of a very low-income resident as a single person with an income of less than $27,650, or a family of four with an income less than $34,900.
The various income formulae are based on the median income as recorded in Ocean City. There are also asset limits that include a requirement that your house be market assessed at less than $274,900. USDA does not count retirement funds in this calculation, but does count Social Security income.
The existence of a swimming pool, or if the property is an income producing property would also render the applicant unqualified because the program is needs based.
One attendee who owns a small business asked if any program would help them finance the water connection. Neither NJHMFA nor USDA had a program for non-residential properties.
Sharon Otto of LTMUA responded that the MUA would work with a small business to facilitate paying the connection costs.
Residents were invited to stay after the meeting for more personalized information about their individual situations.
LTMUA, NJHMFA and USDA representatives urged residents to visit their websites to learn more about their own individual concerns. 
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.