New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will request 30 billion dollars in disaster aid from the federal government as New York City and other areas of the state continue to dig out from Hurricane Sandy. WAMC’s Ian Pickus has more.
The New York Times reports that the administration has targeted several areas of need, including bridges, tunnels and train lines, homes and apartments, affected businesses and overtime costs for emergency personnel provided by local governments.
Officials say Sandy caused some 50 billion dollars in damage to the state, putting it second only to 2005’s Katrina.
The news comes as several transportation improvements begin today, with the Long Island Rail Road on a weekday schedule on 10 of 11 tracks. Two Amtrak tunnels under the East River are reopening, and the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel will reopen for buses during rush hour.
Meanwhile, PATH train service between Manhattan and New Jersey is resuming a partial schedule.
President Obama is slated to visit New York City on Thursday, which follows a trip by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano Sunday.
With AP.
