New Jersey Specific Issues

Superstorm Sandy

Many towns in the Sixth District were badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Congressman Pallone fought hard for a robust Superstorm Sandy Emergency Relief Package to provide aid so New Jersey and other affected states could rebuild from the devastation caused by the historic storm. In total, the aid package that passed will provide $60.1 billion to affected states to recover and rebuild.

Congressman Pallone continues to monitor the rebuilding process and work with federal agencies to make sure funds are getting to New Jersey as quickly and efficiently as possible. Visit the Superstorm Sandy news section to learn more about Congressman Pallone’s work to help New Jersey communities recover from the disaster.

Beach Replenishment and Flood Prevention

In addition to the beach replenishment projects that will take place to return the beaches  to their condition pre-Sandy, Congressman Pallone regularly submits requests to replenish the beaches in the Sixth District so visitors can enjoy the beaches throughout the summer and our shore communities may be better protected from hurricanes and flooding. Recent beach replenishment funds to the district include:

• Nearly $10 million to replenish a portion of Monmouth Beach following Hurricane Irene
• $12.3 million to fund beach replenishment in Sea Bright and the remainder of Monmouth Beach from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• $6.4 million for a Port Monmouth flood control project

Community Health Centers

Community Health Centers provide vital health services to the local community, particularly to those who may not access health care otherwise. Congressman Pallone is proud to support community health centers and secure federal funding so they may grow and expand. Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch was awarded $3.4 million to expand its facilities and serve more patients through a grant made possible by the Affordable Care Act.

In addition, several other Community Health Centers in the District have received federal funds to expand. Union County, Neighborhood Health Services Corporation, Inc. in Plainfield received more $435,000 and the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey (UMDNJ), Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, in New Brunswick received $298,466 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. The Visiting Nurse's Association of Central New Jersey (VNACJ) Community Health Center in Asbury Park received $212,301

Park Fees

Congressman Pallone opposed a fee hike to visitors to Sandy Hook in New Jersey. The National Park Service had proposed a nearly 100% increase in fees for vehicles going to the beach, and through the Congressman’s efforts the fee increase was significantly reduced.

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

Following Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, Congressman Pallone advocated for New Jersey to receive two separate grants totaling more than $80 million for the repair and reconstruction of local highways and roads that were damaged.

Keeping the Community Safe

Local cops are necessary to keeping communities in the Sixth District safe. Congressman Pallone frequently supports requests to provide federal funding to expand our police force in the sixth district. Grants from the Department of Justice to hire cops include:

• $1.6 million to rehire seven police officers to the New Brunswick police force;  
• $1.6 million to hire five police officers in Asbury Park; and  
• $1.5 million to hire four police officers in Long Branch.  

Similarly, firefighters are integral to protecting our communities. Recent grants through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant to fire departments in the Sixth District include:

• $465,320 to the Navesink Hook & Ladder Co. fire station in Middletown to purchase new radios;     
• $175,468 to the Ocean Township Fire District 1 for new breathing apparatuses; and
• $617,500 to the Asbury Park Fire Department and $315,000 to the Plainfield Fire Department to acquire equipment like pump trucks, rescue vehicles, ambulances and fireboats.

Sports Betting

Congressman Pallone introduced a bill that would expand sports gaming to New Jersey which is currently prohibited by a federal law. The bill would legalize sports betting in New Jersey and introduce a new source of revenue, potentially amounting to billions, to New Jersey. A state-wide ballot measure to amend New Jersey’s state constitution to allow sports gaming was overwhelmingly supported by New Jersey citizens by a 2-1 margin.