By Colin Campbell 10/31/12 4:45pm

storm penalties

(Photo: Getty)

Governor Says Sandy’s Economic Costs Projected to Be ‘Up to $6 billion’

Hurricane Sandy, which wreaked havoc on good portions of New York State, clearly won’t be cheap to clean up, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has avoided giving a specific number to the costs.

In a letter to President Barack Obama requesting maximum compensation from the federal government, however, Mr. Cuomo said the loss of economic activity alone in the state would yield “up to $6 billion in lost economic revenue in the greater metropolitan area and the State due to the severe disruption of business in the world’s leading financial hub and the largest port on the northeastern seaboard.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 10/30/12 3:06pm

hurricane sandy

President Obama speaking today. (Photo: Getty)

Obama Praises New Yorkers’ ‘Spirit’ and ‘Resilience’

Standing before a Red Cross in Washington D.C. earlier this afternoon, President Barack Obama praised response efforts in the face of Hurricane Sandy, singling out New York in particular.

“This storm is not yet over,” Mr. Obama said to begin his address, labeling the hardship faced by the country as “extraordinary,” adding, “Obviously this is something that is heartbreaking for the entire nation.” According to the White House pool report, the president went on to say his “most important message” to those recovering from the storm’s devastating aftermath was, “America is with you.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 10/30/12 12:05pm

frankenstorm

(Photo: The Atlantic's Chris Heller, @c_heller)

Congressman Bob Turner’s House Burned Down in Sandy’s Fury

Breezy Point, on the tip of the Rockaway Peninsula, was among the most devastated neighborhoods in New York City in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Indeed, floods and fires left the area reminiscent of a war zone.

The fires also claimed the homes of Congressman Bob Turner and State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long, Crain’s Insider reported. Fortunately, Mr. Turner’s office told the publication that the congressman and his wife made it out safely. Mr. Long is safe-and-sound too. Read More