Ocean County isn't leaving its long term recovery plans up to chance. In meetings that start this Monday, the public is invited to help develop a strategy aimed at making Ocean County more resilient in recovering from future disasters.

Hurricane Sandy damage
Gary Williams, Getty Images /NOAA/Carlo Allegri, Getty Images
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Consulting group, Michael Baker Jr Inc., has been selected by Ocean County and Together North Jersey (a consortium of groups that consist of Rutgers University, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and New Jersey Transit) to assist in developing a Long-term Community Recovery Plan.

Project Manager Sarah Bowen said the idea of the plan "doesn't just identify projects but it also identifies champions, funding opportunities and other information that will help implement the projects in Ocean County," Bowen said.

As part of the planning process, they'll be examining six different areas or recovery functions that FEMA focuses on which are natural and cultural resources, economics, health and social services, community planning, as well as infrastructure and housing, explained Bowen.

The first meeting takes place this Monday, February 24th, at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, in Mancini Hall from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There will also be another set of meetings on March 6th in the morning at the Ocean County Library and in the afternoon at the Southern Ocean Service Center. Get the details about the meetings, the project and other information at www.oceancountylongtermrecovery.com. You can also get more details about together north jersey at togethernorthjersey.com.

She said they'll be gathering information quickly and putting a draft plan in place by June 1st.

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