(TRENTON) – Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee Chair Jerry Green (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union) issued the following statement on Wednesday after hearing from residents who have struggled to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy, as they encountered bureaucracy and red tape while trying to navigate the state program charged with administering storm recovery funds:
“I heard frustration and hopelessness from residents who a year after the storm have been unable to rebuild as they met roadblock after roadblock when trying to apply for recovery funding.
“These residents have met a level of bureaucracy that has made it difficult to navigate and take advantage of the very program that is supposed to help them. It is almost like they are on their own.
“I thank these residents for sharing their stories. It is obvious that Sandy’s aftermath is far from over, and that we must do a better job at getting these residents the resources they need.
“We will work with Commissioner Constable’s office to see how we can cut through the red tape, restore confidence in the recovery program and get these residents the help they need.”