Storm Assistance Request
WASHINGTON (AP) — Thirteen senators from seven states damaged by Superstorm Sandy are asking President Obama to boost federal disaster aid to the states.
Senators from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Delaware and Maryland asked Obama in a letter Tuesday to add more emergency aid for federal disaster assistance programs in his 2013 budget request. They want quick action by Obama to help speed recovery efforts from the massive storm that pounded the East Coast.
The lawmakers are seeking the money in the post-election lame duck session of Congress. Congress and Obama are wrestling with how to avert a fiscal crisis, and conservative lawmakers are expected to oppose new spending without offsets elsewhere.
Crisfield
Crisfield officials are still waiting for word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on whether any funding will be awarded to Somerset County.
It’s been two weeks since the flood waters from Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc forcing evacuations from their homes.
County and state officials have filed the final documents with the agency along with a 24-page justification for getting the funding.
Two kinds of help are been sought.
One would help local governments cover the cost of damages, cleanup and overtime.
The other would provide financial assistance for residents hit by the storm.
Somerset County saw the most serious damage in Maryland.
Ocean City
Even with the damage done by Hurricane Sandy Phase II of Ocean city’s boardwalk restoration is still on track.
Officials say the storm may have only added a few days as the project moves towards its March deadline.
Work crews are now laying the framework and drilling down boards.
The resort’s famous fishing pier did suffer damage from the storm with around 100 to 150 feet disappearing into the ocean.
But Mayor Rick Meehan says he expects both the boardwalk and the pier will be ready for tourists next summer.
