WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today announced $27,288,778.10 million in federal Sandy relief for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for the use of contractors for the loading, hauling and disposal of debris as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The grants are provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance grant program.

"This funding keeps us on the path to full recovery by alleviating some of the cleanup costs for debris removal from Superstorm Sandy," said Sen. Menendez, who helped lead the New Jersey delegation in the fight for federal Sandy relief. "The powerful storm surge overwhelmed our state and the resulting damage was massive. As we continue the monumental task of rebuilding our state,I will continue to fight for the necessary federal resources like these to help make sure New Jersey comes back better and stronger than before the storm."

"It's still possible to find debris from the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in some of the communities hardest hit by the disaster," Sen. Booker said. "Federal funding announced today helps communities continue the challenging task of rebuilding their homes and neighborhoods. This is a long-term investment to ensure that our state is stronger and safer for years to come."

The majority of damages identified in the north region were caused by storm surge collecting scoured material in the uplands and elsewhere and re-depositing in and along river banks and marinas and channels as well as precipitating into Raritan Bay and other waterways.

The President signed the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill into law last year, 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.

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