President Barack Obama approved disaster relief funding to help rebuild Delaware’s beaches after a severe late January storm.
Gov. Jack Markell said in February the storm damaged 28 homes and businesses, as well as the Rehoboth and Bethany Beach boardwalks.
“During the January storm, our state sustained damage to public infrastructure, beaches, homes, and businesses, particularly in the coastal areas of Sussex County,” said Markell in a statement.“While preventive steps like dune restoration helped prevent more serious harm, we know this storm caused significant disruptions to our citizens beyond its immediate aftermath and I am grateful to the Obama Administration for their support in helping our communities fully recover."
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.
The funds won’t go towards direct beach replenishment but will instead help fix pipes, boardwalks and other infrastructure damaged during the storm.
Obama last signed a Delaware Disaster Declaration after Hurricane Irene in 2011.
Similar disaster requests were also recently approved for Virginia and Maryland.
