Politics & Government

Toms River Receives $15.5 Million Sandy Grant

Ocean County also awarded funding in first round of Essential Services Grant payments

Toms River was awarded more than $15 million in grant money to help lessen the financial blow dealt by Superstorm Sandy. 

The township was among four Sandy-impacted governments awarded money in the first round of Essential Services Grants payments Wednesday, receiving $15,510,417. The grants ensure essential services will continue to be provided to residents while the affected communities are rebuilt, according to the Governor's Office.

"We recognize that some local governments hit hard by Sandy have been financially impacted by the storm. As a result, they are having difficulties providing public safety, public works and education and other basic services that are critical to their residents," said Gov. Chris Christie in a statement announcing the grants. "These Essential Services Grants will help local officials maintain basic services in their communities as the rebuilding process continues."

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Essential Services Grants are funded through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery monies provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to the Governor's Office.

Out of the $31 million awarded in the first round of grants, Ocean County was awarded $7,288,937. Atlantic City and Sea Bright were also given money. 

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This grant will ensure that public safety, our children's education and other basic services are not sacrificed as we work to rebuild and recover," said Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-10) in a statement. 

Property tax and other local revenues, such as those from tourism, will likely decline as Toms River is rebuilt from Sandy, which is why the grant money is important, said Assemblyman Dave Wolfe (R-10). 

"The financial turmoil that followed Sandy is the stealth storm that many people who are focused on physical destruction don't think about," he said in a statement. "You don't want to think about tax revenues when homes have washed away, but you still need to make sure you can keep police on the streets and kids in classrooms as large parts of the community work to rebuild. This $15 million will help make sure that happens."

Officials are working to "get every bit of assistance that is available to homeowners, business and local governments," said Assemblyman Greg McGuckin (R-10).

New Jersey is just beginning to see $1.8 billion of incoming aid, and this grant is one small part, he said. 


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