WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded an additional $1,019,197.14 in disaster relief funds to the Lawrence Union Free School District for emergency repairs and electrical work at Lawrence High School, which was temporarily forced to close after flooding from Superstorm Sandy corroded the building’s electrical wiring. This is the second funding installment awarded to reimburse the school district for repairs made to Lawrence High School in the aftermath of Sandy, following the first installment of more than $2.6 million awarded in March, 2015.
“There’s no better federal investment than one that helps educate students in a safe and learning-friendly environment,” said Senator Schumer. “More than $1 million in federal funds will help reimburse the cost of Sandy-related repairs to Lawrence High School in a way that does not leave local taxpayers footing the bill.”
“I am pleased Long Island will get this federal funding from FEMA to help cover the cost of renovating Lawrence High School damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The school suffered severe structural and electrical damages, and this critical funding will help ensure that local taxpayers aren’t left to foot the bill alone as recovery efforts continue. I will continue to fight for funding so we can rebuild even stronger and be ready for when the next storm hits.”
“The Lawrence High School community has stuck together and worked hard to rebuild after Sandy damaged the school building, destroyed electrical wiring, and temporarily forced the school to close, causing a significant disruption for students, parents, teachers and school officials,” said Representative Kathleen Rice. “I’m proud of the work they’ve done to recover, I’m pleased that this second reimbursement has come through, and I’ll keep working to secure the final funding installment the district needs to complete their recovery efforts.”
“We certainly appreciate the efforts of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Representative Rice in securing this latest funding installment, and we look forward to their continued support as we keep working to fully restore the high school and fully recover from Superstorm Sandy,” said Lawrence School Board President Murray Forman.
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