A state Assembly committee has unanimously approved a measure that would offer zero-interest loans to gas stations in New Jersey that install wiring to connect to generators.

People line up to fill gas canisters at a Shell gas station
People lined up after Sandy at a Shell gas station in Matawan (Michael Loccisano, Getty Images)
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The bill before the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee on Thursday requires the Office of Emergency Management to establish a two-year pilot program to provide the loans.

Qualified gas stations include those on or near the Atlantic City Expressway, Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and other roads considered evacuation routes.

The loans would have a maximum term of 10 years. A single loan would not exceed $10,000.

The bill's sponsor said the measure aims to address fuel-related emergency response preparations to prevent another gas crisis like the one that followed Superstorm Sandy.

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