Christie: New Federal Aid Will Rebuild All Eligible Sandy-Damaged Homes

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey Gov. Christ Christie said Wednesday that the state will have enough federal aid to help rebuild all eligible homes destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported Wednesday, Christie said the recent announcement of a third round of federal money worth $882 million will fund the state's rebuilding program fully.

"That money should permit us to take everybody off the rebuilding waiting list and deal with everybody," Christie said.

He is now confident enough in the funding to start expediting the process.

"As a way to try to make that move quicker, we're going to start the environmental historical reviews of the remaining 3,000 people on the waiting list now," Christie said.

The top 3,000 homeowners, Christie said, will start getting letters this week to process grants while the remaining 3,000 can start environmental reviews.

For Sharon Castiglia of Beach Haven West, the funding is a lifeline.

"If we have to finish our house with our own money, we are just – that is it, we are done," she said.

Castiglia is expected to be moved off the waiting list this week, and has a new hope for light at the end of the tunnel.

"We want to get back in our home. We are not young," she said. "It has been a long time."

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