Frelinghuysen: FEMA Grants Will Make New Jersey Safer

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will be among the local beneficiaries of millions of dollars in FEMA security funding via multiple competitive grant programs, U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) announced Friday.

According to a news release from Frelinghuysen, the grant programs will provide:

• $19.7 million in “port security grants” to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and other first responder organizations in both states
• $21.8 million in total to New Jersey for “transit security grants” (including $16.3 million for New Jersey Transit, $2.3 million for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and $3.2 million for the Delaware River Port Authority)

In addition, non-profit organizations in the urban area of New Jersey and New York will receive $3.8 million for infrastructure “hardening” and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack, such as synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools - including several in New Jersey - that were targeted earlier this year in a series of bomb threats.

• See related article: Support Grows For West Orange Jewish Center After National Wave Of Threats
• See related article: Livingston Jewish Temple, Preschool Get Bomb Threat

Funding for the grants has already been approved as part of the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill approved by Congress and signed by President Trump last spring, a spokesperson for Frelinghuysen said Friday.

“These grants are evidence that the [House] Appropriations Committee takes its role in safeguarding our homeland and protecting our citizens seriously,” Frelinghuysen stated. “Through our annual Homeland Security Appropriations bill, we fully support our men and women on the frontline lines who work tirelessly to keep us safe while providing the necessary funding for critical technology and local programs that enhance our capabilities and preparedness.”

• See related article: N.J. Lawmaker Led Effort To Cut FEMA Relief Budget (Then Harvey Hit)

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