Christie Defends Decision To Use Sandy Aid For Businesses Impacted By Boardwalk Fire
By David Madden
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is defending his decision to take some federal Sandy relief money to help businesses hit by last week's boardwalk fire in Seaside Heights (see related story).
Some suggest it's not right for some who were not affected by the Superstorm to get some of that federal aid. Christie points to the Ocean County Prosecutor who decided damage from Sandy affected electrical wiring, and yes…that played a part in the inferno.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Seaside Park Boardwalk Fire
"The intent of the business money that the federal government sent was to restore business to these communities. And the fact is that this was contributed to by Sandy and is now going to diminish the business activity in Seaside Park and Seaside Heights," said Christie.
Besides, the Obama Administration is on board with the $15 million dollar diversion from a fund designated strictly for business. A separate fund for homeless relief in the wake of the hurricane will not be touched for anything fire related.
