Amato Bill To Resume Sandy Recovery Program Moves Forward

TRENTON, NJ — A bill that would provide funding for Jersey Shore residents who are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy is moving forward in the State Senate.

Sen. Carmen Amato's bill requiring the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to resume the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation, and Mitigation (RREM) program for Superstorm Sandy-impacted homeowners has passed the Senate Community & Urban Affairs Committee, he announced in a news release.

The DCA has uncommitted funds, and this bill would direct the agency to accept grant applications and provide funding for homeowners still in need of recovery and rebuilding assistance from Superstorm Sandy.

“More than a decade after Superstorm Sandy devastated our state, too many families are still struggling to fully recover due to financial setbacks,” Amato said. “This bill ensures that remaining RREM funds are used to help homeowners rebuild their lives, delivering the support they were promised.”

Amato was in his first year as mayor of Berkeley Township when Sandy hit, devastating the town's waterfront areas and more. Witnessing the destruction firsthand has made this a deeply personal issue for him, he said.

Bill S-4812 will allow homeowners who qualify as “Sandy-impacted,” including those who received FEMA rental assistance or were previously approved for RREM or Low-to-Moderate Income programs, to apply for grants that address ongoing financial recovery needs.