Ocean County has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help pay for emergency response costs that resulted from Superstorm Sandy.

    “I was in Ocean County in the aftermath of the storm with Sheriff Mastronardy and other officials and we saw ruined homes, businesses and streets everywhere we went,” U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) said. “The emergency response Superstorm Sandy was massive—and costly. This funding is critical to keep the county on sound financial footing.”

    The grant will provide $1,518,808 in Federal funding to Ocean County for emergency protective measures to perform search and rescue operations, evacuations and secure temporary facilities for facilities destroyed or damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy.

    The funding will help support the Sheriff’s Office and its efforts after the storm on traffic control, crime prevention, fire department assistance, medical services for emergencies, search rescue operations, added security measures to protect against crime and looting, traffic management, barricade set-ups, security at first aid stations, and security for the Toms River Elementary School shelter, Lacey Township buildings/grounds, and Ocean County Administration building. Work also included the transportation of victims to community storm shelters and other essential facilities in Ocean County, manned security checkpoints.

“I join with Ocean County Freeholder Jack Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety, and the entire Board of Chosen Freeholders in extending our appreciation to Congressman Smith for his efforts in securing these funds for Ocean County,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. “We know there is still much work to be done during this recovery from Superstorm Sandy. The cooperation we have received has helped us move forward during a very difficult time.”

    The funding also supports the Prosecutors Office for its search and rescue, vandalism and looting prevention, disaster recovery logistics, manned security checkpoints, and assistance with emergency protective measures in coastal communities.