Though Superstorm Sandy unleashed her destructive force most potently on coastal communities, the Sound Shore was not immune to the damages.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) announced on Tuesday that local governments in Westchester and Rockland have received $35 million in total aid for Sandy clean-up, with Westchester receiving the lion's share of the funding at $26.4 million.
The Town/Village of Harrison was awarded a $370K grant in May from the Federal Emergency Management Association's (FEMA) Public Assistance program for rebuilding after Sandy. The Assistance program reimburses state, tribal and local governments for the cost of emergency responses, with funding from the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, a bipartisan bill that Lowey helped to get passed.
“One of the most important roles of our federal government is to help communities get back on their feet in the wake of a devastating natural disaster like Superstorm Sandy,” said Lowey, in the statement. “This badly-needed FEMA aid has been critical in helping our region rebuild and recover. Because the cost of responding to Sandy placed tremendous burdens on local governments, this aid has also helped protect local taxpayers.”
Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont said that the federal support has been critical.
"The support Harrison has received through FEMA's Public Assistance grant program has been essential as we have recovered from Sandy, and I am grateful for Congresswoman Lowey's support and advocacy,” said Belmont in the statement. “These funds will help ensure that local taxpayers do not pay a price for the costs associated with Harrison’s response to Sandy. I hope that we can have access to further assistance to mitigate the threat of future storms. "
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