NJ Buyback Program for Flooded Homes Moves Forward [VIDEO/AUDIO]

The State of New Jersey is planning to buy 1,000 homes that were flooded by Superstorm Sandy almost 9 months ago, plus an additional 300 houses that have frequently flooded in the past.

During a visit to Middlesex County, Governor Christie said 129 homes in Sayreville have been approved for the state's buyback program, and 76 properties in South River should get final approval by FEMA soon.

"A team of case managers has been assembled to help folks with the application process. And the aim is to guide you through the process, which is sometimes complex and difficult to understand, and to try to resolve those complications and get you to the finish line, which is closing," Christie said during a stop in South River.

Christie reminded a crowd of several hundred people the process is not easy, and everyone should be patient.

"We're not going to have enough money to buy every home that's ever been flooded in New Jersey. The fact of the matter is I never said we were going to. What I said was that we were going to buy out 1300 homes of the most severely damaged." Christie explained.

"I never promised, nor am I promising today that we're going to buy out every home that ever got water in the basement, okay. That's not what we're going to do."

The Governor added if some people are frustrated he understands, "but I can only spend the money that the federal government has given me. I ask you for your patience, knowing that asking you for that gets you a little pained right in your gut."

Courtesy Governor's Office