Pascrell Announces $43 Million for NJ State Police

Federal grant helps cover costs to fight pandemic

PATERSON, NJ – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded $43,739,760.71 to the New Jersey State Police as part of the State’s approval to receive FEMA Public Assistance funds. This federal award comes amid Pascrell’s fervent push for increasing the FEMA Public Assistance cost share that currently requires states to shoulder 25 percent of public and individual assistance expenses while the federal government is responsible for 75 percent of the costs.

“Our men and women in uniform are leading the battle on the frontlines to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Pascrell. “They are routinely at risk of becoming infected due to the high volume of emergency calls. Because of this, we need all the help we can get from the federal government. These public assistance funds are welcome relief, but we need more help. Whether it’s being reimbursed for non-congregate housing or other costs related to fighting this virus, I have demanded a change in this cost share formula. The current split is unacceptable and unsustainable.”

Even as he abides by social distancing guidelines, Rep. Pascrell has remained in constant contact with federal agencies to secure critical federal funding for New Jersey’s coronavirus response efforts. He announced last week $2.4 million in federal disaster funding for Bergen County. Earlier this month, he announced $63 million in federal funds for New Jersey’s child care services, $254,000 in emergency health funds for Paterson and St. Joseph’s Hospital, and $157,000 in coronavirus relief funding for Teterboro Airport. He also announced last month $14.6M in emergency housing and urban development grants for local governments to ensure that our underserved neighbors needs are met during the pandemic.

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