Lavallette to Receive $1.1M in Sandy Aid

Lavallette will receive $1.1 million in federal Sandy recovery aid, it was announced Wednesday.

The disbursement is part of a continuing federal effort that will reimburse the borough – like most other Shore towns – for expenditures during storm recovery including compensation for first responders who worked to remove downed electrical wires, perform water rescues, and clear blocked roadways, according to a joint statement by U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez.

"When Superstorm Sandy hit, first responders in Lavallette acted quickly to protect the community and serve local residents during a time of great need," said Lautenberg, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds FEMA, in a statement. "This funding is good news and a good start, but much work lies ahead.  We're going to keep working in Washington and with state and local leaders to rebuild New Jersey and make our communities stronger than ever."

"Federal funding to reimburse towns like Lavallette for the expenses incurred while responding to the storm helps keep a natural disaster from turning into a financial one – if only for a single community," said Menendez.

Lavallette, though close in proximity to the heavily-damaged Ortley Beach section of Toms River, fared well in comparison during Sandy.

Mayor Walter G. LaCicero has credited the borough's employees as well as its autonomy for the quick cleanup effort.

Lavallette has its own electrical utility and water utility, as well as a K-8 school.