Sandy Funding Will Promote Jersey Shore [AUDIO]

Of the initial $1.8 billion coming to New Jersey from the federal government to rebuild and recover from Sandy, $25 million will be used to let everyone know that the Jersey Shore is open for business this summer.

Governor Chris Christie made the announcement during a travel and tourism conference in Atlantic City, after reporting record numbers for the industry in 2012.

"We want folks to know...south of Long Beach Island, things are really normal at the Jersey shore," Christie said. "Most of that damage has been able to be repaired."

Other shore towns did not fare as well during the storm, such as Seaside Heights, whose "rollercoaster in the sea" became the image of Sandy's wrath on the Garden State.

"There are different places at the Jersey shore," Christie continued. "They have rental availabilities. They have their businesses up and running."

He said some of the advertising dollars will be available to local tourism groups. The marketing blitz can be expected in late April/early May.