New Jersey’s $1.5 billion Sandy spending plan approved

    The federal government has approved New Jersey’s plans to spend $1.46 billion in the second round of Superstorm Sandy recovery aid.The decision by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was reached Friday and announced Monday by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

    The plan includes slightly more housing assistance, including more aid to low- and moderate-income storm victims.

    That appears to be in line with a settlement reached Friday between the state and some housing and civil rights groups who had complained to HUD about the way New Jersey was distributing storm aid.

    The plan still calls for about half the money to be used for housing aid.

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    It also funds buyouts for homes in flood-prone areas, and protects power and water plants.

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