U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced over $2.4 million in federal funds, through the FEMA Public Assistance program, for Long Beach City Schools for the repair and restoration of the West Elementary School building, which sustained damaged after Superstorm Sandy. The City of Long Beach has already received $3.1 million in federal funding for West Elementary School. Today’s announcement is the last portion of federal funding that West Elementary School was owed for Sandy recovery.
Superstorm Sandy severely damaged the West Elementary School. Floodwaters inundated the first floor of the building and destroyed the contents and furnishings, including books, teaching materials, computers and desks. Additionally, floodwaters damaged mechanical components, such as boilers, and electrical wiring as well as structural items like drywall, flooring and built-in shelving. Funding will cover the removal of accumulated debris and flood remediation necessary to restore the building to its pre-disaster design, capacity and function.
“Ensuring that West Elementary School students are educated in a safe, well-equipped, and learning-friendly environment has been a top priority since Superstorm Sandy, and this $2.4 million in federal funding will help achieve that goal,” said Schumer. “The city of Long Beach was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy and these funds will help reimburse the cost of repairs to Long Beach’s West Elementary School.”
“This $2.4 million federal investment means that students at West Elementary School are educated in a safe, well-equipped and learning-friendly environment once again” said Schumer. “The city of Long Beach was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy and these funds will help reimburse the cost of repairs to Long Beach’s West Elementary School.”
“This is great news for West Elementary School,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Superstorm Sandy devastated communities throughout New York and the City of Long Beach was hit hard. Homes, schools and businesses suffered unprecedented damage and were in dire need of repair. This is such an important investment for the community that will help rebuild West Elementary School.”
“West School is a vital part of our school community. We appreciate all the hard work and effort on the part of our elected representatives, our staff, and our parents to provide the best possible education for our students. With this federal help, we are able to provide for our students in a revitalized school,” said David Weiss, Superintendent of Schools.
This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance has provided $2,420,904 in Federal funds to the Long Beach City Schools for the repair of West Elementary School building, which was flooded by storm surges generated by Hurricane Sandy.