Funding to cover the cost of debris removal for Seaside Park and Seaside Heights in the aftermath of the last week’s boardwalk fire will be provided by the Christie Administration.

Damage from boardwalk fire in Seaside Heights
Damage from boardwalk fire in Seaside Heights (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)
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The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) will dole out the aid through the existing Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery-DR (CDBG-DR) program for Superstorm Sandy.

"We're moving as swiftly and aggressively as we can to help these communities and their boardwalk businesses rebuild from this unfortunate stumbling block to our overall Sandy recovery," says Christie. "The extensive damage to the remaining structures is a safety hazard, so it's important they are removed quickly.”

The State’s Superstorm Sandy Action Plan allows for demolition and debris removal activities. Businesses already supported through CDBG-DR funds and affected by the fire can apply for additional funding.

“By alleviating the costs associated with the debris removal process, state, county, and local officials as well as private entities can get down to work immediately to restore one of the Jersey Shore's most iconic boardwalks," explains Christie.

When the demolition and clearance of debris is wrapped up, the Department of Community Affairs and the Economic Development Authority will work with the towns and local businesses to plan and implement the full Sandy recovery, including post-fire redevelopment. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will also help to ensure the properties are free from contamination after the debris removal.

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