Three Jersey shore towns will split $22.5 million in grants to help them pay for essential services as they recover from Superstorm Sandy.

Gov. Chris Christie's office on Friday announced the disbursement of Essential Services Grants to Atlantic City, Toms River, and Sea Bright.

The money is designed to help hard-hit communities avoid layoffs and maintain police and fire protection, public works programs, and other essential services as they continue to rebuild from the storm, which hit almost a year ago.

Earlier this year more than $44.5 million in Essential Services Grants were made to 11 Sandy-impacted local governmental entities.

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