Dear Neighbors,I’m writing this week with an important update on what the federal spending bill means for New Jersey residents in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. I secured $51.3 million in the bill Congress passed this week for 15 projects in my district to help rebuild and repair infrastructure, support public health and educational facilities, invest in scientific research, and improve coastal resilience.The projects include:$2.1 million to repair deteriorating bulkhead in Atlantic Highlands that is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure for residents and businesses near the public marina.$500,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County to support school-aged children who have experienced trauma and abuse in their homes. $6 million to help build the Ferry Terminal Building in Carteret that will run from Central New Jersey to downtown Manhattan. $1.25 million for the restoration of the Church of the Presidents in Long Branch.$640,000 to educate entrepreneurs from underserved communities in Central New Jersey at Monmouth University. $500,000 to complete the final phase of an extensive restoration project at the Metlar-Bodine House Museum Historic Site, including construction of the Forever the 4th gallery that will feature the Ross Hall Wall and other important historic treasures.  $2.5 million for coastal resiliency projects in the communities around Naval Weapons Station Earle. $2.25 million for Old Bridge to construct a new multipurpose building along the Laurence Harbor beachfront that will help the community expand recreational opportunities for residents. $1 million for Middlesex College to enhance student support to improve retention and increase graduation rates for adult learners and improve the lives of Middlesex County residents who have been incarcerated or at greater risk of being incarcerated. $26 million to dredge both the entrance of the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers at Sandy Hook as well as the Navesink River to Red Bank and the Shrewsbury River as far as the Branchport Avenue Bridge in Long Branch – a total of approximately 14 miles.$2.25 million to create a waterfront park in South Amboy by reclaiming and rehabilitating the waterfront area to create an open park concept and conservation area.$370,725 to modernize the emergency operations center in South Plainfield with new equipment and upgrades.  The Communications and 9-1-1 Center is used to coordinate police, fire, and EMS services during emergencies.$3 million to renovate and expand the Dr. William Toth Health Center in Edison to better meet the health needs of the community, especially seniors.$1.5 million for Perth Amboy to complete improvements and construct multipurpose fields at the Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex Park.$1.5 million to purchase new electric buses and charging infrastructure in Woodbridge, creating cleaner air and more transportation options. Relief for Superstorm Sandy VictimsThe federal spending bill also includes an indefinite postponement of recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government related to Superstorm Sandy. These recoupment efforts known as “clawbacks” have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs at the recommendation of the government. The reprieve provides relief for approximately 1,700 households in New Jersey that owe $73 million. I will continue fighting for total forgiveness so residents can have the peace of mind they deserve. Read more hereBeach Replenishment Project in ElberonI was in Long Branch on Tuesday to announce a new beach replenishment project in Elberon. Beginning in January, the Army Corps of Engineers will place 1.2 million cubic yards of sand starting at the southern end of Elberon at Lincoln Avenue and work north to Takanassee Lake at North Lake Drive. The Elberon project is expected to be completed no later than March 1. The federal funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I pushed for last year.