Washington - Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award New Jersey with more than $289,000 in federal funds to improve the state's response to transportation incidents where hazardous materials are released.

"Toxic spills threaten the health, security and well-being of our communities," said Lautenberg. "Our first responders must have the resources they need to contain accidents as quickly and safely as possible. These funds will better prepare our emergency workers to restore safety and security to our roads and railways."

"Public safety in our state will be strengthened by these resources," said Menendez. "By providing our emergency responders the tools and the most up-to-date training to contain hazardous and chemical materials caused by accidents, these funds will help protect our roads and our communities."

The grants will be used to train emergency workers to react to a range of hazardous materials challenges, including those from new chemical and alternative energy products such as ethanol. They also support an annual training seminar for emergency responders at the Middlesex County Fire Academy.

The New Jersey State Police will have control of the funding, and then distribute to individual counties to support hazardous materials assessment, planning, and training exercises. Last year, funds from this program were awarded to Camden, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex and Monmouth counties.

In total, the state will receive $289,579 in funding from DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The grants are funded by user fees from shippers and carriers of certain hazardous materials.

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