WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced a $30,000 Emergency Chairman's grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in response to the widespread damage to New Jersey's cultural infrastructure and historic institutions caused by Superstorm Sandy. The grant, which was awarded to the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, is the maximum amount available to New Jersey for these purposes.
"The NEH's emergency funds will help cultural institutions in New Jersey make needed repairs and restorations due to Superstorm Sandy, and help the state continue its long support of the humanities," said Senator Menendez. "I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that New Jersey's humanities not only survive, but thrive."
"This federal funding will help important cultural and historic institutions in New Jersey repair damage left by Sandy," said Senator Lautenberg. "We will continue working to provide New Jersey communities, institutions and businesses with the federal resources they need to recover and rebuild stronger than before."
Storm damage to New Jersey's cultural sites includes a partially-torn roof at Ocean Grove's Great Auditorium, as well as extensive physical damage to Tuckerton Seaport's Folklife Center. Damage to collections was also reported at some of the state's lighthouse museums and the National Guard Militia Museum. Historic cemeteries in Little Ferry and Elizabeth were also affected by the storm.
For more information on how organizations can apply for hurricane relief funding, please visit www.njch.org.
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