FEMA rejects request for aid to repair boardwalk

NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Officials plan to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to reject a request for $1 million to repair the Ocean Grove boardwalk, which was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

FEMA says the structure doesn’t qualify because it is owned by the private, nonprofit Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.

Neptune Township Committeeman Randy Bishop tells the Asbury Park Press (http://on.app.com/X813ge ) he’s worried how the association will be able to afford repairs, which are estimated to cost as much as $3.5 million.

Officials say FEMA awarded aid money to repair the boardwalk after a storm in 1992. However, it denied help after Tropical Storm Irene.