Slow Storm Reimbursement Irks Massachusetts Towns

Several Cape Cod communities are still waiting for federal reimbursement for repair work after Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 and the blizzard of February 2013.

The Cape Cod Times reports that Sandwich, for example, had $5 million in public safety costs and beach and boardwalk repairs. The federal reimbursement rate is 75 percent, qualifying the coastal town for a $3.75 million payback if all expenses are approved.

Town Administrator George Dunham says the town has only received $10,560.

Dennis Pinkham, spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, says the agency lacks staff and is relying on part-time employees.

Kimberlee Strohm, administrative assistant to Falmouth’s emergency management director, says local officials worked with eight people for Superstorm Sandy and three or four last year’s snow storm.