Ocean Grove Wins 2nd Appeal for FEMA Funding

The Neptune Township community of Ocean Grove is finally eligible to apply for federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make repairs to its Sandy battered boardwalk after winning a second appeal. According to The Coaster, FEMA overturned its previous ruling that declared the Ocean Grove Boardwalk and Beach Front ineligible for federal funding because it was privately owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.

A Camp Meeting Association official said they have already spent $500,000 on boardwalk repairs at its southern end. However, they estimate that it will cost over $3 million dollars to make repairs the large central section of the boardwalk and beachfront that remained closed last summer.

State Senator Jennifer Beck is one of several lawmakers who worked with the Camp Meeting Association to overturn the ruling. In a written statement she said:

"This is great news for Ocean Grove and bodes will for the upcoming summer. The assistance will be incredibly helpful as a key tourist location on the shore continues to rebuild in the wake of Sandy. I believe the whole experience is proof that the process can work and you should never take no for an answer. We worked closely with state, federal and local officials to plead Ocean Grove's case and while it took some time, I couldn't be happier with the outcome," said Beck.

 

Camp Meeting Association officials said they'll be seeking clarification on the ruling and will be applying for funding as quickly as possible.