When President Obama paid a May 28 visit to the New Jersey shore, he met Gov. Chris Christie (R) and stopped at towns slammed by Superstorm Sandy seven months earlier. Obama noted the progress so far, declaring,"The Jersey shore is back, and it is open for business." He added, however, that the state still faces "a long road ahead."
Since Sandy blasted into the Eastern Seaboard on Oct. 29, the federal government has poured billions of dollars into the recovery effort. Early installments went for relief for residents, cleanup and critical repairs. As federal funds continue to roll out and augment insurance payments and other resources, infrastructure work will be a focus, including near-term and long-range projects to fortify the region's public works against future storms.