FEMA reimburses FDNY $2.5 million for Sandy costs

The federal government gave the FDNY a financial boost Wednesday to help cover its huge costs during Superstorm Sandy.

The $2.5 million in FEMA funding will reimburse the fire department for all the money ity spent on equipment used to clean debris and overtime.

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand said the Oct. 29 storm tested the department's abilities and resources as firefighters had to clean up some of the city's 1.45 million cubic yards of debris.

"This federal reimbursement for debris cleanup is critical in making sure that New Yorkers are not entirely on the hook for these expenses and I am pleased that this funding is being provided," Schumer said in a statement.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told the City Council on Tuesday that Sandy cost the NYPD $84.8 million in overtime, but most of the money would be reimbursed by the feds.