City Seeking FEMA Funds To Help With Hurricane Damage

Hurricane Irene has left its mark on municipalities throughout the state by damaging beaches, buildings, and knocking out power for days in some areas.

Although Long Branch was not as badly affected as other nearby towns, the city is still looking to recoup some costs incurred by the hurricane.

According to Long Branch Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Stanley Dzuiba, who spoke during Tuesday night's Long Branch Council meeting, the city has applied to FEMA for $185,000.

Dzuiba said $100,000 would be used for debris removal, $9,000 would be used to repair parks and public beaches and the remaning money would be used for "protective measures." Protective measures includes police, public works and fire department overtime work.

Seaview Avenue and West End Beaches lost stairs, were replaced that week.

He said he will be attending a meeting with FEMA on Thursday to see if the city will be albe to receive funds.

Mayor Adam Schneider asked Dzuiba if a .

Dzuiba said pictures of the damage have been sent to the National Weather Service, but that the city has not yet heard back from them. He said it would also not make a difference as to the amount of funds the city would be able to receive for damages.

The council and public praised the office of emergency management for its preparedness before, during and after Hurricane Irene.

"It was a very well orchestrated program," Long Branch Council President Michael Sirianni said.

Dzuiba thanked residents for listening to instructions the office of emergency management sent out through the use of the Code Red alert system. He said 10 Code Red alerts were sent out throughout the course of the hurricane through phone calls, e-mail and text messaging.