WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) announced a grant providing $1.95 million in federal funding to the Borough of Avalon to aid in repairs to the Eighth Street jetty as a result of Winter Storm Jonas, a record blizzard that dumped more than three feet of snow on parts of New Jersey in January 2016 and caused severe erosion and flooding along the shore.
According to a release, the funding was authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
“Jonas caused immense amounts of damage and negatively affected the lives of families, employees and business owners across New Jersey. Areas along the Jersey Shore were particularly battered, safe travel was assured as roads were cleared by state and local authorities,” stated Menendez. “This funding will help Avalon rebuild the damaged jetty, which will only help protect its coast from future storms. I will not stop fighting in Congress to ensure that New Jersey receives the aid our state and residents need to rebuild stronger than the next storm.”
“Winter Storm Jonas caused devastating damage to New Jersey, and families are still rebuilding,” stated Booker. “This federal investment will help repair the damaged jetty and protect New Jerseyans from storms like Jonas in the future.”
Jonas caused an estimated $67 million in damage in Cape May County alone, over $80 million statewide.
The federal grant represents 75% of the total $2,601,598 project cost to repair the jetty.
