Robert Menendez

Menendez, Lautenberg Announce $1.1 Million for Hurricane Cleanup in Somerset County

June 13, 2012

Washington – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide $1.1 million to Somerset County through its Public Assistance disaster relief grant program.  The funding will reimburse Somerset County for resources spent to remove dangerous debris from roadways and private property after Hurricane Irene hit New Jersey in late August 2011. 

 “When Hurricane Irene hit our state, leaving roads blocked with debris, families in places like Somerset needed immediate help,” said Senator Menendez.  “It’s critical that our local governments are able to take swift action and I will continue to work to make sure they have the funds they need to get the job done.”

 “When natural disasters strike, it’s crucial that the federal government steps in to assist cash-strapped New Jersey communities struggling to cover clean-up costs,” said Senator Lautenberg, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds FEMA.  “Hurricane Irene caused massive damage in Somerset County and throughout the state, and I'll continue fighting to secure the resources needed to help New Jersey municipalities recover.”

 As Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Lautenberg led the fight to secure $7.1 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which reimburses local governments and individuals for storm damage repairs.  In September 2011, shortly after Hurricane Irene hit New Jersey, Senator Lautenberg fought to include $6 billion in a Senate emergency funding bill.   Following passage of the bill in the Senate, Lautenberg worked during negotiations on the bill with the House of Representatives to increase the total to $7.1 billion.  The bill was signed into law in December 2011.   

###