Public assistance funds for Sandy-hit communities in U.S. pass $1 billion

Public assistance funds provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to communities affected by Hurricane Sandy have passed more than $1 billion, the organization said Tuesday.

The funds provided to communities affected by the storm are part of a total of $5.7 billion in disaster assistance, which includes more than $3.5 billion in flood insurance claim payments, $897 million in Individual Assistance and $834 million in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans, FEMA said in a statement.

FEMA grants funds to state governments to then reimburse municipalities, county governments and eligible private nonprofit agencies for the repair or replacement of damaged roads and bridges, water-control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities, and parks and recreation areas.

It also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster, according to the agency. FEMA reimbursed applicants 90%of the eligible cost, its statement added.

According to FEMA, included in the $1 billion total are:

• More than $77.1 million in Ocean County for countywide debris removal.

• $18.6 million to repair and rebuild educational facilities statewide.

• $14.6 million for repairs to piers, boardwalks, the marina and recreational areas at Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park in Elizabeth.

• Nearly $13 million to the New Jersey State Police for emergency protective measures on the barrier islands as the storm hit.

As of Nov. 25, FEMA has funded 4,417 projects, and eventually, FEMA estimates that 5,096 Sandy-related projects will be funded through public assistance.