Rebuilding the Bronx After Superstorm Sandy: Klein Announces $3 million in FEMA Funding Flowing to Bronx Institutions

BRONX, NY– Following the one year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Senator Klein announced that nearly $3 million in FEMA funding has already flowed to service organizations and cultural institutions in the Bronx. Earlier this year, the New York State Legislature approved federal emergency funds allocated for Sandy relief. Throughout this process, Senator Klein worked to ensure that eligible organizations in his district received these funds to rebuild.

Bronx recipient institutions include the New York Botanical Garden, SUNY Maritime, Fordham University, Manhattan College, Wave Hill, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Providence Rest, a nursing home facility off the coast of Eastchester Bay.

Senator Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said: “It has been just over a year since Superstorm Sandy hit our shores and while the repair and rebuilding continues, I am happy to report that money so desperately needed to bring the Bronx back has arrived. Providing relief to New Yorkers was a top priority in the legislature this year. As we continue down the road to recovery, I will continue to work hard to ensure that the organizations, businesses and homeowners impacted by Sandy, get the assistance they need and deserve.”

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) said: "One of the major objectives that we had in our last legislative session was to provide some relief to those adversely affected by Superstorm Sandy.  I am gratified to see that some of these funds are finally reaching some of our Bronx institutions and I hope there will be more to follow."

Providence Rest Administrator, Susan Steinberg said: “FEMA was very responsive after Sandy.  A team came out to Providence Rest several times to assess our property damage and talk to us about our needs going forward.  We have been reimbursed for all the damage to our air conditioning units and their replacement, debris removal, tree removal, roof repair, catch basin repair. All has been taken care of except for the Seawall, which we are working hard to repair once and for all.”

“While we are mindful of all the work that has yet to be done in communities hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy, we are indeed grateful to our Washington Delegation, Governor Cuomo, and Senator Jeff Klein for working to expedite qualified Federal reimbursements for the unprecedented damage done to The New York Botanical Garden last fall,” said Aaron Bouska, AVP for Government and Community Relations at The New York Botanical Garden. “Reimbursements ensured that the Botanical Garden was quickly re-opened to the public, made safe and accessible to all New Yorkers, and allowed us to welcome tourists from around our State and across the globe. Costs incurred by the Garden were for the clean-up and removal of thousands of cubic yards of storm debris, including hundreds of downed trees---some close to 200 years of age—that blocked roads, pathways and walkways, causing hazardous conditions throughout our National registered Historic Landmark. We are particularly thankful to everyone, particularly agency staff, who helped the Garden receive this FEMA reimbursement.”