Christie Seeks Full Reimbursement From Feds For Sandy; Belmar Considers Seawall
BELMAR, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - It's like an Atlantic City roll of the dice, but New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is asking FEMA for 100 % reimbursement for debris removal and emergency protective measures following superstorm Sandy.
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The governor believes there is a precedent here and says without the help he fears recovery efforts could come to a halt.
In Belmar, they'd like some of that money. They just approved $20 million to rebuild the boardwalk.
Mayor Matt Doherty pledges it will be ready by the summer and it will be stronger.
He said the pilings are significantly longer and there are hurricane straps underneat every 12 inches. He said it will be to last for generations.
"Without that, our town would suffer a significant financial impact. So, it's important for our town, but it's also important for the entire Jersey Shore and the state of New Jersey for the town like Belmar to have its boardwalk back for the summer," Doherty told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams.
It's anticipated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will cover 75 percent of that boardwalk, with the rest coming from beach badges, which will go from $7 to $8 for a daily pass and $50 to $55 for the season.
Belmar is also looking to construct a seawall made out of steel to be buried under sand dunes.
