Gov. Jack Markell (D) is seeking nearly $2.6 million in federal disaster relief funds after a late January nor’easter pummeled Delaware’s beaches and dropped more than a foot of snow elsewhere.
Markell officially requested the disaster declaration from President Obama Thursday, saying the storm damaged 28 homes and businesses, as well as the Rehoboth and Bethany Beach boardwalks.
More than 50 people had to be evacuated due to tidal flooding and more than 10,000 people were without power during the peak of the storm, according to state emergency management officials.
In a statement, he said, “…hopefully that money will help our coastal communities rebuild what they’ve lost and prepare for the thousands of people who visit each summer.”
Nearly $1.9 million of the money will go toward projects in Sussex County, almost $560,000 in Kent and another $130,000 in New Castle County.
None of that money will go toward beach replenishment projects the state has with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
