Toms River will receive $6.56 million from FEMA to cover the demolition and debris removal of 150 properties, Congressman Jon Runyan's office announced late Thursday.
The federal funding will be used for the use of contractors for the demolition of 150 private properties and the loading, hauling, and disposal of the generated construction and demolition debris as a result of Superstorm Sandy.
“With the 1-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy having just passed, we were reminded that although we have made enormous progress in our efforts to rebuild the Jersey Shore, we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Runyan. “These funds will help ensure that Toms River has the resources it needs to move forward in its rebuilding efforts.”
Township officials said earlier this week that they have issued a total of 956 demolition permits, 428 of which have been completed. More than 100 additional homes - mostly abandoned or untouched since the storm - may have to come down under an involuntary demolition program since they have been deemed structurally unsafe and a danger to the community.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
