On the heels of the House of Representatives passing a $51 billion Sandy emergency relief package yesterday, New Jersey’s two U.S.Senators have announced more than $1.1 million in federal funding will be used to help the Borough of Lavallette cover the costs related to the Superstorm, including compensation for first responders who worked to remove downed electrical wires, perform water rescues, and clear blocked roadways.

Damage from Sandy in Lavallette (Borough of Lavallette)
Damage from Sandy in Lavallette (Borough of Lavallette)
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Senator Frank Lautenberg, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee – which funds FEMA - says, “When Superstorm Sandy hit, first responders in Lavallette acted quickly to protect the community and serve local residents during a time of great need, this funding is good news and a good start, but much work lies ahead.  We're going to keep working in Washington and with state and local leaders to rebuild New Jersey and make our communities stronger than ever.”

Senator Bob Menendez says, “The last thing first responders need to be worrying about during an emergency like Superstorm Sandy is whether there’s going to be money to pay for their response efforts. Federal funding to reimburse towns like Lavallette for the expenses incurred while responding to the storm helps keep a natural disaster from turning into a financial one – if only for a single community.”

He adds, “The reality is many towns were severely impacted by Sandy’s wrath.  Now that the House has restored the Sandy relief previously approved by the Senate, I call upon my colleagues in the Senate to pass the relief next week that will enable families and businesses to rebuild throughout New Jersey.”

The Senate is expected to approve the relief package early next week, and send it to the President for his signature.

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