U.S. Senators Menendez, Booker announce $9M in federal grants for Hurricane Ida-related damages
NEW JERSEY – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) Friday announced $9,078,512.06 in federal grants to address Hurricane Ida related damages.
Hurricane Ida slammed New Jersey in September of 2021, causing widespread damage and claiming the lives of 30 residents.
“Hurricane Ida’s extreme weather caused historic damage across New Jersey,” Menendez said. “The Biden Administration’s quick and continuing response has allowed New Jersey to successfully rebuild and improve in the aftermath of the storm. As climate change causes extreme weather to become more prevalent, I will continue to fight to ensure New Jersey is prepared to withstand and respond to these events in the future.”
“The remnants of Hurricane Ida caused historic flooding and rainfall as well as widespread devastation to communities across New Jersey,” Booker said. “I have worked with colleagues to make sure our state receives the resources it needs to advance recovery efforts and rebuild. This federal funding will help our state move us closer to full recovery.”
The New Jersey Office Of Emergency Management was awarded $7,809,817.12 to reimburse eligible expenses incurred by its Public Assistance (PA) office for this event to administer the PA program. Yeshiva Ohr Simcha of Englewood was awarded $1,268,694.94 to repair their Yeshiva building, which was inundated with floodwaters and doubles as dormitories and a school for approximately 60 students.
Menendez and Booker secured $5.6 million in funding for Hurricane Ida damages in November of last year. The Senators also led the entire congressional delegation in a letter urging President Biden to approve Governor Phil Murphy’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, 10 counties were approved, unlocking additional federal funding for repairs and recovery. They also applauded President Biden when he issued an Emergency Declaration after the senators pushed for swift federal action.
Sen. Menendez also visited a Red Cross shelter in Paterson and called for greater federal aid for flood ravaged parts of the state. Menendez and Booker joined the state’s entire congressional delegation in urging Congressional leaders to pass an emergency disaster supplemental bill to rebuild homes, businesses and infrastructure affected by the storm.
