Christie: New Jersey's Share Of Federal Aid Would Be Enough To Rebuild
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Monday that the state's share of New Jersey's share of $60.4 million in proposed federal aid would be sufficient to cover rebuilding costs after Superstorm Sandy.
Christie said he is satisfied with the amount of Sandy aid President Barack Obama has asked Congress to approve. He also said he is grateful the president's proposal gives both New Jersey and New York flexibility in how they use the money.
If approved by Congress, much of the funding would come as community block grants to be allocated by the two administrations.
The figure is less than the $83 billion Gov. Christie originally sought from Obama in extra disaster aid for his state plus New York and Connecticut.
Meanwhile, concerns have mounted that the political gridlock surrounding the looming "fiscal cliff" could jeopardize the funding.
The White House estimates the Federal Emergency Management Agency could lose $878 million if Washington lawmakers cant strike a deal by year's end to avoid going over the fiscal cliff, when automatic tax hikes and spending cuts would take effect.
Also Monday, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) led fellow Democratic senators on a tour of the storm-ravaged shore as they pledged to support an aid bill. Some Republicans have also endorsed the plan.
Christie said he hopes the bill will get through Congress by Dec. 21.
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