New York City pledges $500M emergency fund for school, hospital storm repairs
Relief is on the way for schools and hospitals damaged by superstorm Sandy. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced that $500 million will be set aside for repairs of three public hospitals and 23 school buildings damaged by the hurricane. Bloomberg also signed an emergency order waiving fees for applications and permits of Sandy-related repairs.
The plan would earmark $200 million to the city Department of Education and $300 million to the city Health and Hospital Corporation. Bloomberg says 23 school buildings and three public hospitals remain closed due to storm damage. "The total cost to replacing and repairing all the damage Sandy did to the city's infrastructure may run into the billions of dollars. We won't know the full cost for some time," Bloomberg said.