NJ Makes Change to Maligned Sandy Housing Program

New Jersey officials have made a change to a post-Superstorm Sandy housing program with the intent of getting aid in the hands of homeowners faster.

The new policy allows those repairing or rebuilding storm-damaged homes through the state's Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation program to receive half their grants in advance.

The new provision applies only to recipients using their own contractors, not those using builders selected by the state.

The program provides homeowners up to $150,000 to cover rebuilding costs not funded by insurance or other government programs.

There is more demand than funding, and homeowners have complained about a troublesome process to get the money.

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