Lautenberg, Menendez Applaud Approval of New Jersey's Disaster Recovery Action Plan

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) applauded the approval of New Jersey's disaster recovery action plan by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Last month, Senators Lautenberg and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) called on HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan to expedite review of the state's plan. With this approval, $1.8 billion in federal funds can now be distributed to help homeowners and businesses in New Jersey that were affected by Superstorm Sandy. Federal funding will be made available to rebuild and elevate homes, provide small business grants and no-interest loans, rehabilitate rental properties, and support local governments.

"This infusion of federal funding will help New Jersey continue to recover from Superstorm Sandy and ensure that our state is rebuilt stronger and better prepared for future storms. Families that are rebuilding their homes, small businesses that are getting back on their feet, and communities that are repairing damaged public infrastructure will all benefit from this federal grant program," Lautenberg said. "We worked hard to get this funding flowing into New Jersey, and we will continue working with the State to ensure we receive the assistance necessary to fully recover from Superstorm Sandy."

"This CDBG funding will help elevate homes to avoid future floods, provide grants for hard hit small businesses that cannot take on more debt, and help the Jersey Shore rebuild for tourism season," said Senator Menendez, who helped lead the New Jersey delegation in the fight for federal Sandy relief. "It is gratifying to see state, federal, and local partners come together to create a strong plan for our recovery. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to rebuild New Jersey better and stronger than ever."

In total, Congress enacted $60.2 billion in emergency aid in response to Superstorm Sandy. This included $16 billion in CDBG funding, which was the single largest appropriation of CDBG funding. Congressional approval of the aid package was delayed by House Republicans, after the disaster aid bill was pulled from the House floor in early January.

The plan approved today is for the first round of disaster CDBG funding being released by HUD. Additional rounds are expected.

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