WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced that Essex County will receive more than $1.5 million in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).The funds will reimburse the county for cleanup costs in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

"In the days after Superstorm Sandy, Essex Countyacted swiftly to clean up debris,and this federal aid willhelp coveremergencycosts that were incurred,"said Lautenberg,a member oftheSenate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds FEMA."This grant will helpease the burden of recovery inEssexCounty,and I will continue working to ensure New Jersey receivesits fair shareof the $60 billion in federal Sandy funding as quickly as possible to help rebuild our state stronger."

"Superstorm Sandy's destruction wasn't limited to the devastation of the Jersey Shore or the flooding in Bergen County. The storm's destructive winds wreaked havoc throughout the state,"said Senator Menendez, who helped lead New Jersey's delegation in the fight for federal Sandy relief."That is why I greatly appreciate this funding to help Essex County meet expenses it incurred while cleaning up debris after Superstorm Sandy. It is my hope that obstructionist Republicans blocking an agreement on pending sequester do not jeopardize such critical grants. Just as our recovery continues, my commitment to fight for federal resources continues to help New Jersey come back better and stronger than ever before."

This grant provides $1,565,192.36 infederal funding to the County of Essexfor the loading and hauling of debrisas a result of Superstorm Sandy.

Last month, the President signed into law the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill, 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 clean water infrastructure.

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