Politics & Government

Long Branch Receiving $14.5M in Federal Funds for Sandy Damage

The funding covers the costs of repairs to the boardwalk, bluffs, bulkheads and roads.

Long Branch will receive $14.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover repair costs for infrastructure damaged in Superstorm Sandy, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6) announced in a press release Monday.

The funding was part of $9.7 million package approved by Congress on Friday.

The $14.5 million for Long Branch will cover the costs for the demolition and replacement of 69,850 square feet of boardwalk, including new decking, railing and lighting, according to the release. Ramps leading from the boardwalk to the beach will also be replaced. The bluffs, which are the support system for the boardwalk and roadway, will be repaired with a new concrete foundation, 95,740 cubic yards of additional material, and 11,489 square yards of dune grass, the release stated.

"As we continue to rebuild, we have a unique opportunity to improve our public infrastructure so it is stronger and can withstand future storms," Pallone said in the release.

The funding also provides $1.3 million to the Middlesex County Utilities Authority for emergency repairs to the Sayreville Sewerage Pump Station. The authority was awarded a $2.4 million grant in 2013 to repair the damaged pump station and install and operate a surge diversion facility to minimize surges to the pump station in the event of a future storm, according to the release. The station pumps sewage from 30 municipalities in Middlesex and Somerset Counties.


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