FEMA Extends Hotel Stays for New York Sandy Victims

Federal authorities have extended the amount of time New Yorkers can stay in hotels or motels if they can’t return to their homes because of damage from Superstorm Sandy.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday officials have approved extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program by 15 days.

FEMA will call eligible people and let them know the new checkout deadline is now Sept. 16.

FEMA says it extended the deadline at the request of state officials.

The temporary program is normally extended for two-week blocks.

A FEMA spokesman says 28 households are still currently enrolled in the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. He says close to 6,000 New York households have been assisted through the program.