Gov. Chris Christie offered a status update on federal Sandy aid during his 116th town hall in Belmar on Tuesday.

The state is waiting on its next round of relief, $1.4 billion dollars, and it's in the process of having the funds approved by the federal government.

Governor Chris Christie - Belmar Town Hall
Governor Chris Christie talks about Sandy rebuilding and recovery during his 116th town hall in Belmar. (Governor's Office, Tim Larsen)
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"More than half of that money will go to rebuilding homes and helping call, we hope, about 3,000 or more families off the waiting list," Christie told the crowd, which reached capacity just moments before the governor took center stage. "We're hoping that we'll see that approval come during the month of April."

Christie indicated the state was in the process of utilizing the public comments gathered through three mandatory hearings and online submissions.

"We actually do read them and listen to them, and we're going to make some changes based upon that," Christie explained.

The state could learn the details of its third and final traunch of aid by the end of May.

During the town hall, Christie acknowledged that his administration's response to the state's worst natural disaster "has not gone perfectly," but also noted that that recovery funds are flowing to businesses and homeowners faster than after any prior national disaster.

"I'm happy about the good things we've done, but I am not content," Christie said. "I know there is still work to do."

Frustrated small business owners criticized Christie's administration ahead of the town hall, saying they have yet to be approved for recovery grants.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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