Storm will boost construction activity

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MIDDLEFIELD, Conn., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Recovery and cleanup from Hurricane Sandy will prove a bonanza for construction and repair companies, and those they plan to hire, some business owners said.

"I always look forward to a natural disaster. The last two storms we had around here, the snow we had, helped out the contracting business quite a lot," said Doug Palmieri of Palmieri Construction in Middlefield, Conn.

Although repair experts still cannot visit many parts in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas especially hard-hit by the storm due to flooding and road closures, customers have begun telephoning in search of help to remove branches, dry out basements and rebuild damaged roofs and homes, The New York Times reported Thursday.

"I drove around with my truck and a couple of people stopped me and asked for a business card," said Maria Goncalves of Queiroga Construction in Bridgeport, Conn. "Unfortunately for everyone else, it's going to be good for us."

Some companies expressed concern about finding additional personnel quickly, since a slowdown in the construction industry caused many workers to leave the field, the newspaper said.

"There is going to be so much manpower needed, and we are already spread so thin," said Bill O'Connell of Elite Public Adjusters, an insurance and adjustment company, as well as a repair company, in North Wildwood, N.J.