SUSSEX COUNTY, N.J. – When Hurricane Sandy blew into New Jersey two years ago, many gasoline stations along evacuation routes had their power knocked out, creating long gas lines. As a result, the state decided to provide grants for generators at the more than 250 gasoline stations that lost power during the storm.

Now, the first round of approvals has been granted to 33 gas stations for backup generators and other backup power plans, NewJersey.com reports. The governor’s office earmarked $7 million for such renovations under the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Twenty-eight of the 33 stations will put in permanent generators, while the other five will install quick-connect devices for mobile generators. The voluntary program provides up to $15,000 to most stations for these upgrades.

These stations are in addition to the 22 gas retailers that already have such provisions in place. New Jersey also has more than $2.5 million to buy portable generators for use during a massive power outage.

Meanwhile, the federal government has filled a million-barrel gasoline reserve to prevent fuel shortages from future storms that hit the Northeast. The reserves — located in New England and near New York Harbor — would provide short-term aid for first responders and other motorists in the aftermath of major disasters.