About $1.8 billion in federal aid from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been set aside to help city residents and businesses rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. Senator Charles Schumer said the additional relief money will be given to the state for rebuilding efforts.

Before the Community Development Block Grant money will actually be released to the state and the city, New York officials must submit their plans for how they want to spend the money.

HUD officials must then review those plans before giving the money to the city and state government.

In a statement, Schumer says, “We know there is desperate need and anxious waiting in the places hit by the storm, and we will be making sure that this money gets to homeowners, small business and communities as quickly as possible.”

(Source: NY1)