OCEAN GATE, NJ — The borough of Ocean Gate received $978,000 to get a brand new fire truck with an aerial ladder, Congressman Andy Kim announced in a release.

The funding was through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Community Facilities Loans and Grants Program.

Ocean Gate currently has two older fire trucks, which cannot efficiently reach the raise elevation height of structures, as many have been lifted after Superstorm Sandy to meet flood elevation requirements.

The USDA approved a loan of $930,100 and a grant of $47,900 to Ocean Gate to purchase the new aerial ladder fire truck. Kim worked with the borough to receive the federal grant.

"I'm proud to have been able to help Ocean Gate get a new fire truck," said Kim. "My favorite part of this job doesn't happen down in Washington, it happens here at home - making these touches, hearing directly from constituents at each of my monthly town halls, and working hard to deliver tangible results in our community. This new fire truck is one small but hugely impactful part of ensuring our towns have the resources they need to keep people safe and ensure that we're prepared for emergencies. I'm glad to have been able to help deliver this win for Ocean Gate."

"The borough of Ocean Gate is happy and grateful to receive this loan and grant for a new fire truck. We are a small community with big needs and would like to thank Congressman Andy Kim for his hard work in support of our obtaining this funding," said Ocean Gate Mayor David Kendrick. "Both of our operating fire trucks are over 25 years old and neither can reach the upper floors of our homes raised because of Superstorm Sandy. With this funding, we will be able to purchase a new fire truck which will serve our community for many years to come."

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