Congresswoman McCarthy Addresses Local Sandy Concerns

U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-Mineola, recently spoke to an area civic group about concerns homeowners have about Hurricane Sandy-related damages and money they have not received to rebuild. 

McCarthy's 4th Congressional District added most of Wantagh and other areas to a new redistricting plan that took effect Jan. 1.

“An emergency fund is an emergency fund; it was through no fault of anyone that we had that terrible storm,” McCarthy said at last week's North Bellmore Civic Association meeting about obtaining government and insurance monies for rebuilding. 

McCarthy added that when other states have experienced similar emergencies, “the money has always been made available sooner than in this case.” 

McCarthy said another concern was damage to Long Beach, citing the beach towns as a major tourist attraction come summertime. She said that Long Beach is a barrier island that serves as protection for other areas along the South Shore. 

“So it’s important that we are able to get the monies to rebuild those barrier islands,” she said. 

For homeowners still waiting for money to rebuild, McCarthy urged her constituents to call her office and her staff would try to assist them. 

She also told residents that financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is not to “make you whole. They’re here to help you through an emergency.” 

When the discussion turned to flood insurance, McCarthy said that every homeowner should have it.

“Hopefully, you never have to use it,” said McCarthy, who noted that many insurance companies are dropping customers from their plans in the wake of the storm. “But it really is important to look into. Those on the water are going to be paying a lot more.”

She claimed many insurance companies are dropping customers from their plans in the wake of the storm.