Christie touts Sandy recovery as anniversary approaches

Gov. Chris Christie says that he is very proud of how far New Jersey has come in the five years since Superstorm Sandy.
The governor admitted Monday that some mistakes were made and that there is still a way to go before a full recovery is made. But he says that Sandy recovery is his proudest accomplishment as governor.
“This recovery has been pretty extraordinary and we've worked hard at it,” Christie said. “You’re tested in times of crisis and how you respond and react to it is...how you are judged as a leader.”
The governor made the statements while also announcing an expansion on the state’s Blue Acres program to buy out homes in flood-prone areas.
Christie also reported that counties that were the most impacted by Sandy have largely recovered and are better prepared for another storm.
He said that tourism is flourishing and that work continues with the Army Corp. of Engineers to protect the New Jersey coastline with beach replenishment projects, dunes and sea walls.
The governor says that there have been many infrastructure improvements in the five years since the storm and also says that most of those who were displaced are now back in their homes. Christie attributes this in part to an approximate $2.4 billion in federal housing assistance already spent on helping to rebuild houses and rental units and more than $900 million given out under the RREM program.
Christie says that New Jersey businesses have been awarded $214 million to help them get back on their feet.
About 365,000 homes in New Jersey were damaged by the storm. Christie says that about 1,000 families are still displayed.