NJ to Use Sandy Money For Boardwalk Fire Cleanup

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) —

New Jersey will use Superstorm Sandy-recovery money to pay for debris removal at the scene of last week’s boardwalk fire, in which dozens of businesses recently repaired from hurricane damage were destroyed, Gov. Chris Christie’s administration announced Monday.

“We’re moving as swiftly and aggressively as we can to help these communities and their boardwalk businesses rebuild from this unfortunate stumbling block to our overall Sandy recovery,” Christie said.

Christie called the damage to some existing structures a safety hazard that needed to be addressed quickly. He said that covering the cost of debris removal would allow governments and businesses to “get down to work immediately to restore one of the Jersey Shore’s most iconic boardwalks.”

State officials were on hand Monday afternoon to offer assistance to businesses and residents affected by Thursday’s fire, which destroyed four blocks of businesses. Christie also pledged $15 million in state aid, also using Sandy recovery money. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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