WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Long Branch and the Middlesex County Utilities Authority will be receiving more than $16.5 million in federal funding for continued projects as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via the Sandy aid package Pallone fought for in Congress.
“These grants help to lessen the financial hit that our local governments still face as communities continue to recover from Sandy,” said Congressman Pallone. “As we continue to rebuild, we have a unique opportunity to improve our public infrastructure so it is stronger and can withstand future storms. I am grateful that FEMA recognizes the importance of these ongoing efforts in New Jersey.”
This allocation provides $14,504,338.98 in federal funding to Long Branch to repair the boardwalk, bluffs, bulkheads, and roadway damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding announced today will cover the costs for the demolition and replacement of 69,850 square feet of boardwalk, including new decking, railing and lighting. Ramps leading from the boardwalk to the beach will also be replaced. The bluffs, which are the support system for the boardwalk and roadway, will be repaired with a new concrete foundation, 95,740 cubic yards of additional material, and 11,489 square yards of dune grass.
The Middlesex County Utilities Authority will receive $1,340,015.46 in federal funding for emergency repairs to the Sayreville Sewerage Pump Station that was damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. This grant is in addition to the $2.44 million that the Middlesex County Utilities Authority was awarded in 2013 to repair the damaged pump station and install and operate a surge diversion facility to minimize surges to the pump station in the event of a future storm. The station pumps sewage from 30 municipalities in Middlesex and Somerset Counties.
