New Jersey Senators Announce More Than $3M in Sandy Relief for Union County

New Jersey U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Jeff Chiesa announced Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is allocating $3,034,907.35 in federal Sandy relief grants for Union County and the Borough of Longport.

The money will go to reimburse superstorm-related repair and debris removal expenses. 

“Whether it’s for a county government recouping cleanup costs, or a Jersey Shore community repairing storm damage, every bit of Sandy relief moves New Jersey forward in our recovery from the storm,” said Menendez, who helped lead the New Jersey delegation in the fight for federal Sandy relief.  “I am very glad to see this Sandy relief coming to Union County and the Borough of Longport, and I will continue to fight for the federal resources we need to continue the progress on our recovery.”

Chiesa also hailed the move and FEMA.

“These dollars will go toward helping the communities of Union County and the Borough of Longport so they may continue essential operations during the ongoing recovery from Superstorm Sandy," he said. "I commend FEMA for their continued attention to the New Jersey recovery and will work to provide our cities and towns with the resources they desperately need."

The funding announced includes $1,166,993.55 for Union County to reimburse for costs associated with the loading, hauling, and disposal of debris.

In January, President Barack Obama signed the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill into law, bringing the total Sandy aid enacted by Congress to $60.2 billion.  The funding package included federal aid to help homeowners, businesses, and communities recover, and resources to rebuild coastal, transportation, and water infrastructure.

Public Assistance grants are awarded by FEMA on a rolling basis after receiving applications from the state, which coordinates the process with local governments.