TRENTON – New Jersey will provide grants for generators to the more than 250 gasoline stations that lost power after last year’s Hurricane Sandy blew up the East Coast, the Star Ledger reports. Gov. Chris Christie’s office said $7 million will be available under the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for those stations close to high-traffic roads, such as Routes 1, 9, 17, 22, 78 and 80.

Eligible stations were selected based on how close they were to evacuation routes and how much fuel storage capacity they had. A full list can be accessed here.

After Sandy, many N.J. gas stations could not offer fuel because of no power or backup generators. “A reliable fuel supply is critical in a disaster to support essential facilities and emergency response operations. By enabling gas stations to stay open in the event of a disaster, the state will be better prepared,” said Christie in a statement.

The voluntary federal program would give most stations up to $15,000 to install a permanent connection for mobile generators or would cover part of the cost of buying a generator. Around 50 stations with big fuel storage capabilities could receive up to $65,000 to buy and install an onsite generator.

In June, neighboring New York announced its launch of “Fuel NY,” an initiative to improve access to gasoline during a severe storm or other major weather events.