NY officials will push for max federal storm aid
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer says the government's response to superstorm Sandy is beginning to shift from rescue to recovery, and the federal government will be hit up hard to help cover the cost.
And New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says Wednesday he'll ask for the maximum 100 percent reimbursement from the federal government for the state and local expenses of the storm.
That would be critical for a state government already facing a $1 billion deficit and local governments so strapped that some mayors fear bankruptcy in coming years.
The state can apply for a standard 75 percent of reimbursement. But Washington could increase that to 90 percent or 100 percent.
Cuomo says the toll will be in the billions.
