East Hampton Borrows $2.5 Million for Sandy Cleanup

The Town of East Hampton was blessed in comparison to the Rockaways and parts of New Jersey, but Superstorm Sandy still did its share of destruction. In response to damage to various facilities and buildings around the town, the East Hampton Town Board authorized borrowing $2.25 million in bonds last week. The November 15 decision will make it possible to repair issues including the stairs at Colloden Point and the causeway at Star Island in Montauk, and road reconstruction, especially the major flooding damage on Gerard Drive in Springs.

The Town Board hopes FEMA will reimburse most or all of the money in 2013.

Supervisor Bill Wilkinson also announced at the Town Board meeting that the New York State and Suffolk County offices of the Department of Labor would help pay for temporary relief workers for cleanup and reconstruction, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The Town is planning to hire about 10 full-time workers at $14.89 per hour, 35 hours per week, for as many as 12 weeks, according to The Southampton Press. Those interested in the positions should call 631-853-6600.