States need federal funds for Sandy

NEW YORK, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Officials in U.S. states ravaged by Hurricane Sandy were still assessing damage Tuesday, turning their focus to federal assistance.

Both New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have made it clear they think Congress should send tens of billions of dollars in federal aid to their states, The Wall Street Journal reported.

"We expect to be treated in exactly the same way that the victims of Katrina were treated," Christie said.

Cuomo suggested New York needs $30 billion in federal aid, a number that could serve as a starting point for talks with the Obama administration and congressional leadership.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he also expects to receive federal funds to repair storm damage to public schools and public hospitals.

Thirty-seven of New York's 1,750 schools are in buildings that remain out of commission forcing the relocation of some 18,000 students.

Storm damage continues to hinder commuting. In New York officials said delays and overcrowding could plague the public transit network for weeks.

While power outages have decreased across the region, tens of thousands of residents in New York and New Jersey remain in the dark because their homes must be inspected before electricity can be safely turned on.

Officials said it might take weeks to restore those customers.

Christie said by the end of this week New Jersey would open Fort Monmouth to shelter as many as 500 families left homeless by the storm.