By John Burton
Federal and state elected officials are applauding a federal decision to extend temporary Super Storm Sandy-related housing for an additional three months.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has decided to offer the extension for those living in temporary housing, including the converted military housing at the former Fort Monmouth location, because of the damage homes sustained from Super Storm Sandy, in October 2012.
“More than a year after the storm, countless New Jersey residents are still struggling to repair and elevate their homes,” U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th, said in a released statement this week.
Pallone went on to note that without this assistance many of these residents would be placed in dire straights, attempting to rebuild, having to continue to pay mortgages and a rent on top of it.
“I am grateful that FEMA recognizes the importance of these ongoing efforts in New Jersey, but we must continue fighting to help those still dealing with the disastrous impact of Super Storm Sandy,” Pallone said.
State Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said in a statement, “This is great news for so many folks who are still struggling to recover from the devastating effects of Sandy.”
O’Scanlon said his legislative office “gets calls every day from families who are still waiting to start rebuilding and unsure of what to do if their housing assistance is not extended.”
The decision to permit them to stay for the next few months, “will offer them a little relief during a very difficult time,” he said in his statement.
