NEW YORK – Area parks and beaches that Hurricane Sandy left in shambles are opening, heralding another summer season. They also serve as tangible signs that New York is steadily recovering from the historic storm. Federal aid continues to flow to the state to help rebuild; FEMA Public Assistance grants total nearly $2.6 billion.

Recent awards include:

• More than $72.4 million to New York City Parks and Recreation for debris removal and ongoing repairs to picnic areas, handball courts, marinas, equipment and other facilities;
• Nearly $150 million to Suffolk County for debris removal at Tadsen’s Marina and throughout the county; for permanent repairs at Timberpoint Golf Course and for emergency repairs at Meschutte Beach Park and other county facilities;
• Nearly $300,000 to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs to replace office equipment and to make building repairs;
• More than $68.5 million to the City of Long Beach for debris removal and beach repairs;
• About $11.3 million for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for repair, replacement and hazard mitigation of damaged elements of the transportation system;
• Nearly $2.7 million for repairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

For Hurricane Sandy, FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses local, state and tribal governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations 90 percent of eligible costs for emergency and permanent work. Additional funding is expected for an array of projects throughout the affected areas.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

Email NYRN@fema.dhs.gov to join the New York Recovery Network to find news, reports, grant announcements, events, training opportunities and research related to recovery and resilience