$15 Million in Aid Grants for Shore Communities

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded more than $15 million in federal Public Assistance grants for shore communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy in a latest round of funding, according to a release from Gov. Chris Christie's office.

The aid will be used to reimburse municipalities and counties for costs incurred in the aftermath of the late-October storm, whether that be for rescue efforts, cleanup, or reconstruction. The more than $15 million in grant funding has been awarded to Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and Woodbridge Township. 

Monmouth County will receive federal funding to reimburse the Sheriff's Department, which supplied security at shelters following Sandy and performed search and rescue during the storm. The Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering will receive funds for emergency protective measures performed that included pumping out reservoirs, clearing blocked roads, and setting up road blocks and evacuation routes.

Seaside Heights funding will reimburse the town's citizen rescue, sheltering operation, and around the clock police protection.

Point Pleasant Beach will use funds to repair the Point Pleasant Beach Borough Boardwalk, which consists of a 5,050 foot long, 16-foot wide boardwalk and was damaged in five locations

The Township of Woodbridge will be reimbursed for contractors to load, haul, and dispose of approximately 22,000 cubic yards of debris. Middlesex also received funding to repair Old Bridge's waterfront boardwalk.

Funding totals, from a release:

The recipients, total project costs and FEMA grant amounts are as follows:

•         Middlesex County - The total cost of the project is $1.67 million. FEMA’s share of the cost is $1.25 million
•         Monmouth County - The total cost of the project is $1.7 million. FEMA’s share of the cost is $1.29 million
•         Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering - The total cost of the project is $4.95 million. FEMA’s share of the cost is $3.7 million 
•         Seaside Heights (Ocean) - The total cost of the project is $1.85 million. FEMA’s share of the cost is $1.39 million
•         Woodbridge Township (Middlesex) - The total cost of the project is $2.3 million. FEMA’s share of the cost is $1.7 million
•         Point Pleasant Beach (Ocean) - The total cost of the project is $2.8 million. FEMA’s share of the cost is $2.1 million