The federal government is reimbursing the MTA $3.8 million for repairs done to tunnels and bridges damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

 

Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the federal funding Friday. 

 

The reimbursement will cover the costs of work done on several structures, including the Brooklyn Battery and Queens Midtown tunnels, as well as the Whitestone, Cross Bay and Verrazano bridges. 

 

In a statement, Gillibrand said, "The damage to our roads, bridges and tunnels has required expensive repairs, and it is our responsibility to make sure those costs are covered and do not fall to New York taxpayers and transit customers. This critical investment will help ease the tax burden after essential repairs and hazard mitigation work were completed after Superstorm Sandy."

 

Schumer said, "I am pleased that FEMA is providing the federal funds needed to restore our critical infrastructure and make sure our roadways and tunnels are better protected  in the event of a future storm."

 

Following Sandy, the MTA removed debris from tunnels and bridges, and made structural and mechanical repairs.