NEWARK, New Jersey, Aug. 23 -- Sen.  Robert Menendez , D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators  Bob Menendez  and  Cory Booker  today announced $34,695,900 in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete a critical flood resiliency project to protect the Edward P. Decher Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility in Elizabeth, which sustained significant damage during Superstorm Sandy and serves hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents in all or part of 17 communities in Essex and Union Counties.

"Although we've made great progress since Sandy battered our state, many towns are still dealing with the aftermath," said  Sen. Menendez . "By mitigating the risk and impact from future storms, we can ensure this key public sewage facility stays online, provides continued service and protects residents and the surrounding environment. I will continue to fight for these federal investments which are critical to ensuring New Jersey and its residents are stronger, more resilient and better prepared for when disaster strikes."