As the township continues to cleanup from the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and the snow that came after, Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez delivered some good news as part of that process. 

The senators announced that Howell has been included in the latest round of federal grants from FEMA to help pay for cleanup from the storms. The township received just over $1.3 million out of the $12.9 million given out during the latest round. 

Sen. Lautenberg said the money is being used to help towns move forward from the storm. "In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, local governments acted quickly to keep families and communities safe, and this federal funding will help ease the burden of recovery costs for municipalities."

Lautenberg said this round of funding is one step in the overall process. "These federal grants will help municipalities recover, but there is much more work to be done to ensure that our state can rebuild stronger than ever." 

Sen. Menendez said he was glad the affected towns were getting money from FEMA so quickly to help with the costs. "I'm pleased these additional municipalities will be reimbursed for the swift, emergency action they took," he said. "And we will continue to ensure that every local government will get the resources they need to help make up for the cost burden Sandy laid upon them, allowing them to fully recover and rebuild."

Township Manager Helene Schlegel said for Howell the money has been earmarked for debris removal. 

In the most recent round Middletown received the largest grant at just over $4 million, while Beach Haven received more than $3.6 million. Other towns like Howell, Eatontown, Asbury Park and Long Branch received grants under $2 million.

A press release from the senators said the FEMA grants come after receiving applications from the state. This is the second round of grants to be awarded following Sandy. The senators added they hope to increase the amount of reimbursement local and state governments can receive from FEMA from 75 to 90 percent.