Press Of Atlantic City – South Jersey legislators from the 3rd Legislative District have announced a combined $490,000 to help low-income utility customers with their bills.

State Sen. Steve Sweeney, Assembly Deputy Speaker John J. Burzichelli and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro expressed their gratitude for grants in a news release.

The Gateway Community Action Partnership in Bridgeton and the Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey, Inc, in Camden were approved to receive grants through the Universal Service Fund program. The program is administered by the state department of community affairs.

Sweeney said the award will be given to eligible customers based on income qualifications, because the cost of energy can be a major drain on families in the state.

“The burden is particularly heavy on our low-income residents,” Sweeney said. “This grant will make sure customers pay no more than an affordable portion of their energy bills.”

Gateway Community Action Partnership, one of the largest community action programs in the state, serves Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties, and its portion of the grant is $366,917, the release said.

The Hispanic Family Center serves Gloucester County residents and will receive $123,356, the release said.