Federal Reimbursement To The Village Of Brightwaters For Superstorm Sandy Costs

Over $100,000 in FEMA-Approved Funds To Brightwaters for Superstorm Sandy Clean-Up Costs

New York State has provided $118,954 to the Village of Brightwaters in Suffolk County for reimbursement of costs incurred by the Town following the impact of Superstorm Sandy. The Village of Brightwaters experienced severely damaged trees and other vegetation, leaving approximately 1,821 cubic yards of debris on village roads and right of ways. The Village responded by combining village personnel, equipment and some outside contracts. Contracts were used for debris clean-up, tree removal, garbage and landscape removal and movement of debris to disposal location.

“Sandy’s impact was devastating to every community in its path and the Village of Brightwaters was no exception,” Governor Cuomo said. “The village, like so many other affected communities, had to act quickly to remove debris that blocked passage and impeded any movement along its roadways. I am very pleased to be able to direct these funds back to the town and help them continue in their overall restoration effort.”

Senator Phil Boyle said: “I am pleased that FEMA funds are being released to the Village of Brightwaters for the reimbursement of Sandy cleanup costs and thank Governor Cuomo for his quick action in directing those funds. I look forward to working with FEMA and the Governor to expedite similar funds being distributed to other hard hit communities in our area.”

Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino said, "At a time when local municipalities are struggling to make ends meet, I'd like to thank the Governor for securing much needed reimbursement funds for the unexpected costs the Village of Brightwaters incurred as a result of Superstorm Sandy."

“Superstorm Sandy forced all affected communities to respond quickly to the damage it caused, particularly the need to remove huge amounts of debris. These Public Assistance reimbursement funds will help each of the affected communities get their fiscal affairs back in order,” said NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commisioner Jerome M. Hauer.

The release of these federal funds are part of ongoing and anticipated future reimbursements the state will administer and pay to the affected municipalities. Municipalities are being reimbursed based on a variety of projects that include construction and demolition, sand and vegetative debris removal, EOC activations, evacuations, inspections and emergency IT repairs and restoration and the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) program. The state will continue to make these reimbursement payments as FEMA obligates the funds.