Lawmakers announced Monday $1 billion in federal funds will be coming to New Jersey to help keep first responders across the state on the job.

"The money is there," says Rep. Donald Payne (D-10th District). "We want to be "shovel-ready", so to speak, so that by May, we can be putting people back to work."

Police departments must apply for a grant and be approved to receive any funds. Some departments, like Paterson, have already done so.

Money is only available for fire departments for new hires and construction. No funds will be available to rehire any previous layoffs.

The good news doesn't help the Clifton Fire Department, however. Station 2 in Clifton was shut down last week due to fiscal problems, and 12 firefighters lost jobs. Union representatives are holding a rally Tuesday to try and convince the city to reopen the station.