Local governments in Rockland County can look forward to getting a higher reimbursement rate from FEMA for Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts. The increase to 90 percent brings the rate up from 75 percent. Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) announced Thursday that President Obama approved a 90% reimbursement level for FEMA Public Assistance funds for local communities’ and New York State’s cleanup costs.
The decision is retroactive, and the additional money eases the burden on local taxpayers. Lowey, who had requested the higher reimbursement in November 2012, characterized the president’s decision as a victory.
“Not only did Sandy devastate homes, businesses and lives, the cost of the emergency response and cleanup has placed huge burdens on state and local governments,” said Lowey. “President Obama’s decision that New York State and local governments will now be eligible to be reimbursed for a greater share of Sandy response costs is the right one and means that communities will be able to recover more quickly.”
Lowey also announced FEMA’s approval of a $178,063 grant for the East Ramapo Central School District for part of the cleanup costs it incurred after Sandy. The grant also is provided through FEMA’s Public Assistance program.
“At a time when our budget is so tight, this recovery aid is both needed and appreciated,” said Dr. Joel M. Klein, school superintendent.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses state, tribal and local governments for the cost of emergency responses with funds from the Disaster Relief Fund.
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