WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Vice Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing FEMA, announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has unveiled a $60.4 billion emergency supplemental appropriations bill in response to Superstorm Sandy. The legislation includes federal resources to rebuild and improve New Jersey’s beaches and transit system; repair roads, bridges, and infrastructure; and help residents, homeowners, businesses, and local governments recover.

“This is a comprehensive disaster relief bill that will help New Jersey and other states recover and rebuild smarter and stronger after Superstorm Sandy. This bill provides funding for proven federal programs that will help rebuild and strengthen New Jersey's shore, transportation network, and support residents and small businesses that need help,” said Lautenberg. “We have stood by other states in their time of need, and my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, led by Chairman Inouye, are standing side-by-side with New Jersey as we recover from Superstorm Sandy. Now we must act quickly to get this bill signed into law before the end of this year, so that we can immediately begin meeting New Jersey's needs.”

In addition to replenishing FEMA, the bill funds a variety of programs that can help New Jersey where FEMA can’t. Some of the key programs include:

· Community Development Block Grants - $17 billion to help rebuild homes, buildings, and public infrastructure for expenses that FEMA, insurance, and the Small Business Administration does not cover. This program will also provide grants to small businesses.

· Coastal Recovery and Flood Control - $5.3 billion to rebuild and strengthen the Jersey Shore and to construct other flood control projects in the region.

· Transportation - $12 billion to rebuild and improve transportation infrastructure in New Jersey and the region.

· Water Infrastructure - $810 million to rebuild and improve clean water and drinking water infrastructure.

· Health Facilities and Services - $500 million to repair health facilities and provide health services for those in need.

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