US federal aid

Homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy can now embark on the next phase of their recovery thanks to a new program called NYC Build it Back, which the city rolled out Monday.

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking the federal government to increase its share of Sandy recovery costs to public property. Speaking during a press conference from his office in New York on Wednesday, Schumer said he is willing to go all the way to the White House with his request.

Some of the New York City residents made homeless by Sandy might be eligible for up to two years of federal rental assistance, but the program is still uncertain, making it difficult for the city to rely on the money for its decision making.