Officials: Rehoboth Beach refunded over $920,000 for 2016 storm damage

A local city received a refund of over $920,000 from federal officials for repairs made following a 2016 winter storm, in Delaware.

Officials with the City of Rehoboth Beach say on Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) reimbursed the city for expenses for the repaired board walk, stormwater outfall and city staff labor that happened because of the severe winter storm in January 2016. The city was reportedly issued a payment totaling $924,316.28 as reimbursement. The severe winter storm with high winds and near-record high tide conditions apparently caused a significant damage to the area. 

According to city officials, the the repair expenses included removing 740 cubic yards of sand that washed onto the boardwalk, equipment used to remove storm related debris, and damage to the Maryland Avenue stormwater outfall.

After the stormwater outfall was further damaged by the storm, FEMA apparently allowed the repair to be covered and included under FEMA's emergency declaration for 75% reimbursement. 

"This payment shows the dedicated efforts of our staff to use taxpayer resources wisely and efficiently. Special thanks are due to Streets Department Supervisor Mike Peterman and his staff for their demanding work assessing and cleaning up after this storm, in addition to representatives from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) who assisted to shepherd this process through," says City Manager Sharon Lynn.