Brick Township, N.J. is being reimbursed more than $4 million by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damages to its Wastewater Treatment Facility and for emergency protective measures taken following Superstorm Sandy.

    In making the funding announcement, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) explained that the funding is a part of FEMA’s early recovery process and is based on current best estimates available and could be increased when further documentation warrants.

    A combined federal/state/local team processes local and county applications for aid, documenting eligible work and determining the cost of damages.

    “Brick was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy,” Smith said. “This first step of initial funding for Brick will enable the township to better plan its rebuilding efforts as we move into the New Year.” 

    Brick will be receiving $2,625,000 for widespread damages to the township’s Wastewater Treatment Facilities which caused numerous service disruptions. All of Brick’s 26 pumping stations were damaged and 10 were inundated by storm surges.

    “Brick Township is still utilizing emergency measures and some of the repairs to the system are only temporary – repairs to the system will be ongoing for the next several months,” Smith said.

    FEMA is also awarding Brick $1,426,008 for protective measures taken in response to Superstorm Sandy.  Some 125 Brick police officers worked 12 hour shifts 7 days a week for 4 weeks and 90 Department of Public Works employees cut and removed hundreds of trees to provide safe passage throughout the township.

    Congress is currently debating a major Sandy emergency disaster bill that totals over $60 billion which would provide additional aid to the State of New Jersey and its communities. Along with further helping residents, homeowners and businesses this supplemental appropriation would allow for major infrastructure projects and repairs in our state.