One Year After Sandy, Shore Still Recovering

The approaching anniversary of Hurricane Sandy—the second costliest storm in U.S. history after Katrina—prompted the Courier-Post to examine how residents are faring after the torrential rains were to have been replaced by a downpour of government aid and insurance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both parties—that is, a federal emergency assistance program that earned a less-than-sterling reputation of its handling in New Orleans, and an industry that tends to find itself low on the totem of American affection—haven’t been particularly swift at reconstruction:

Joanne Gwin’s home in the Silverton section of Toms River was wrecked by the storm. Her insurance company paid $101,100 on a $250,000 policy, and she is appealing that decision, still living in a rental a year later.

“As of today, we are no closer to moving home than we were on Nov. 2, 2012,” she said.

Which isn’t to say that no progress has been made overall. Some money has been paid out: $3.5 billion has come from the National Flood Insurance Program and $415 million has come from FEMA.

Anecdotally, though, the Courier-Post doesn’t regale us with too many success stories. [Courier-Post]