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A federal grant that covers the majority of the cost to repair damages to the Asbury Park boardwalk caused by Hurricane Sandy has been approved, according to a news release issued Wednesday from Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.’s office.

The city will receive $3,649,907 from FEMA, which will cover 90 percent of the project’s total cost. An estimated 66,000 square feet of the boardwalk was damaged during last October’s storm, the release said.

“I believe the best way to mark the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy is by recognizing New Jersey’s resilience and efforts to rebuild, and this grant for the historic Asbury Park boardwalk does just that,” said Pallone in the release.

A contract was awarded to GCS Contractors Corp. to reconstruct 24,000 square feet of the boardwalk with aid from city employees and equipment before the 2013 summer season. The grant announced today will cover the costs incurred to repair the remaining 42,000 square feet of the boardwalk, which includes new decking and the demolition and removal of an estimated 210 tons of damaged decking, the release said.

The grant also covers the cost of two new beach access points, which include both ramps and stairs, as well as the installation of conduits, an electrical cabinet, 620 feet steel railings and nine new waterfront decorative street lights, the release said.

“The reconstruction of Asbury Park’s Boardwalk was critical to the city’s full recovery, and I’m pleased residents and tourists can enjoy the boardwalk again once thanks to this reconstruction effort,” Pallone said.

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