Phillipsburg sinkhole crisis gets $1.2M for permanent repairs
The announcement comes after several sinkholes opened up in recent weeks.
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Some relief is coming to a Warren County town dealing with massive sinkholes for weeks.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Friday that $1.2 million for permanent repairs in Phillipsburg. The funding comes as residents on Summit Avenue continue to face unsafe living conditions.
About eight homes in the neighborhood remain uninhabitable, and the families who lived there have not been able to return.
Amber Toth and her 10‑year‑old daughter were forced out two weeks ago when the sinkholes first opened. She said she had only minutes to pack and still does not know when—or if—her home will be safe again.
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Gov. Sherrill said the priority is ensuring the area is secure while repairs continue, noting that more sinkhole issues have appeared in recent days.
"Unfortunately as they are doing that we are seeing more problems with sinkholes," said Sherrill. "The first thing we wanted to do is to make sure this area is safe for people and that we don't add to the burden of this community."
Residents and landlords say they are frustrated and worried about the long‑term impact.
"Home owners insurance does not cover sink holes" said Dan Roerig. "Make my house livable again with a foundation, that's all I want out of it. Get these people back in there and everybody happy again."
"Like how long is this going to take, I have nothing. I was given 15 minutes to get out," said Amber Toth.
A timeline was not given for when repairs will be complete.
