$6.67 billion in federal aid provided to New Jersey in two years since Hurricane Sandy: FEMA

Two years after Hurricane Sandy hit the United States, $6.67 billion in federal assistance has been provided to New Jersey alone, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has reported.

The storm made landfall Oct. 29, 2012, and New Jersey in particular was devastated by harsh rain and wind. Within the billions provided, $3.5 billion has been paid to policyholders for flood claims through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

In the past two years, “FEMA has funded more than 5,185 Public Assistance projects including repairing and restoring hospitals, schools, waterways, parks, beaches, marinas, water treatment plants and public buildings,” according to the ageny’s website.

According to FEMA, in addition to the flood claims, the funding has also included:

• $422.9 million has been distributed to help survivors get back on their feet via temporary housing assistance, disaster unemployment and other needs assistance.
• $1.5 billion in Public Assistance funds has been obligated to communities and certain non-profit organizations for debris removal, emergency work and permanent work.
• $279.5 million in grants has been provided for projects to protect damaged facilities against future disasters.
• $123.9 million in funding for property acquisitions, elevation and planning updates has been paid to New Jersey communities through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
• $847.7 million has been approved by the Small Business Administration for SBA disaster loans to 10,726 individuals and 1,718 small businesses.