Cuomo: Sandy damage cost NY $42 billion
ALBANY, N.Y. Superstorm Sandy caused $42 billion in devastation across New York state, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo said the state and New York City will make big requests for disaster aid from the federal government.
The cost includes $32 billion for repairs and restoration, but also includes an additional accounting of $9 billion for mitigation of damage and for preventive measures for the next disastrous storm.
Cuomo says New York taxpayers can't foot the bill.
He met with the New York's congressional delegation Monday to discuss the new figures that he said is "less than a wish list." The delegation, Cuomo and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will now draw up a request for federal disaster aid.
Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer and Republican Rep. Peter King say they will work together.
- Damage from Sandy could cost as much as $50B, says forecasting firm
- Sandy's cost may hit $50B
- N.Y. to seek $30B in aid to rebuild from Sandy
Previously, administration officials had estimated in early Nov. that the governor would request at least $30 billion.
Forecasting firm IHS Global Insight estimated that the storm would cost about $20 billion in damages and $10 to $30 billion in lost businesses. Another forecasting firm, Eqecat, also predicted it would cost as much as $50 billion in total economic losses. The figures put Sandy at the second most expensive storm in U.S. history after Hurricane Katrina, which cost $108 billion or $128 billion if adjusted for inflation today.