Establishes disaster relief grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to assist residents with certain applications; appropriates $5 million.
Impact
The program outlined in A1483 is designed to enhance the capabilities of local governments, equipping them with training, technology, and supply stockpiles. Municipalities can apply for grants up to $30,000, which will be utilized for training municipal employees, developing efficient application processes for residents, and establishing stockpiles appropriate to their needs. Furthermore, municipalities must report back on the usage of funds and the improvements made in their emergency preparedness one year after receiving the grant.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1483 establishes a disaster relief grant program under the Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation within the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The intent of this program is to empower municipalities by providing them with the resources necessary to assist residents with disaster relief applications and related paperwork. The bill proposes an appropriation of $5 million from the General Fund to support this initiative, enabling municipalities to prepare for and respond to emergencies more effectively.
Contention
While the bill is expected to provide essential support for disaster relief efforts at the municipal level, there may be discussions surrounding the efficacy of the funding and the management of the grant program. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding the allocation of resources and whether the provided training will be sufficient for municipalities with diverse needs. Moreover, the prioritization guidelines based on risk assessment scores may lead to debates about equity in disaster preparedness across various communities in New Jersey.
Carry Over
Establishes disaster relief grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to assist residents with certain applications; appropriates $5 million.
Establishes disaster relief grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to assist residents with certain applications; appropriates $5 million.
Establishes Commuter and Transit Bus Relief Program in EDA to provide financial assistance to certain private bus carriers and local government units; appropriates $60 million.
Establishes disaster relief grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to assist residents with certain applications; appropriates $5 million.