WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that Hoboken and Brick Township will receive more than $2.5 million in federal aid to reimburse the municipalities for the costs of emergency public safety measures taken as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing the grants, which total $2,596,153.38.

"The massive flooding in Hoboken and Brick challenged New Jersey communities' emergency response capabilities like never before. That is why this funding is so vital - not only in helping these communities recoup some of the costs related to responding to the storm, but also in helping New Jersey's long-term recovery,"said Senator Menendez, who helped lead the New Jersey delegation's fight for federal Sandy relief. "There are still many challenges to face on the road to full recovery. I will continue fighting for the federal resources we need to help all New Jersey communities rebuild even better and stronger than before the storm."

"Once Sandy struck, officials in Hoboken and Brick Township didn't hesitate to put critical public safety measures in place to protect and serve local residents. Thesefederalfunds ensure that those communities won't have to bear the cost of responding to Sandy alone,"said SenatorLautenberg,a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds FEMA."We're going to keep fighting toprovideNew Jersey cities and townswiththe federal aid they need to rebuild stronger so they're well prepared for future emergencies."

The two federal grants are broken down as follows:

  • Hoboken will receive a $1,128,293.95 grant.
  • Brick Township will receive a $1,467,859.43 grant.

Federal reimbursement under this program is available to state and local governments for a variety of protective measures, including conducting search and rescue operations, providing security forces such as police and guards, providing shelter or emergency care, sandbagging, securing damaged buildings and homes, providing essential needs like food and water, carrying out emergency repairs and demolitions, and removing health and safety hazards.

In January, the President signed the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill into law, 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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