Sandy recovery

A New Jersey bill to help homeowners in build stronger, smarter, more storm-resistant homes has been approved by an Assembly panel. The legislation is sponsored by Assembly members Ruben Ramos, Grace Spencer and Tim Eustace.

Today, Gov. Chris Christie was joined by President Barack Obama to continue in the effort to let everyone know the Jersey Shore is open. Tonight, on his monthly Ask the Governor appearance on Townsquare Media's NJ 101.5 FM, Christie said Obama told him New Jersey’s recovery from Superstorm Sandy will likely give some comfort to those ravaged by tornadoes in Oklahoma.

New Jersey is now accepting applications from homeowners seeking grants to rebuild homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

Sandy victims in affected counties in New Jersey are getting a helping hand from community-based recovery groups that have been set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In many cases Long Term Recovery Groups, or LTRGs, become involved when personal resources, insurance and government grants or loans are not sufficient to meet the needs of disaster survivors...

There’s good news for New Jersey residents struggling with post-Sandy psychological issues.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the first batch of more than $34 million in Community Disaster Loans to Sandy-devastated local governments in New Jersey. The loans have a low interest rate and can be forgiven in certain circumstances.

More than $9.2 million in federal funds is on the way to Toms River, the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs, East Brunswick and Eagleswood Township to reimburse the municipalities and state for emergency measures taken as a result of Sandy.

Amtrak is getting $30 million from the federal government to defray the cost of repairing damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.

There's been a steady decrease in activity at the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Assistance Centers, so the agency has decided to close down eight of its locations today.

A temporary shelter program has been extended, at the Christie Administration’s request, to April 30, 2013, with a check-out date of May 1, 2013.