Long Road to Recovery for Colts Neck Township

Once power is restored in Colts Neck Township, the real cleanup will begin.

Mayor Jarrett Engel said that along with the destruction of power lines and substations came personal property damage, and damage to township infrastructure.

"The cleanup on this will be the largest cleanup we have ever undergone," Engel said. "It is going to be an enormous undertaking."

In Colts Neck, many trees are left with hanging branches or are partially cracked, still posting a danger to residents. Engel said it will be a "massive pruning effort."

The rural landscape of the township also brings several county and township parks, which have hanging trees and limbs that will need to be addressed.

Once all residents receive power and are comfortable in their own homes, Engel said himself and the Township Committee need to sit down and work out a budget for the rest of the cleanup efforts.

As of now, an estimated cost of damage has not been reached.

"It has been tough, but we have a long road ahead of us still," Engel said. "I am so proud of this town."