Cuomo seeks funds for stricken rails, tunnels

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was reported Monday to be putting together request for $60 billion in federal aid to help pay for damage inflicted on the New York City region by Hurricane Sandy.

Of this amount, $3.5 billion would go to New York City subways, Metro-North and Long Island regional railroads, and tunnels.

Aides said the governor hopes an aid package will be authorized in the lame-duck session of Congress that comas between the election and the installation a new Congress.

It was noted that President Obama pledged a fast federal response in emergency aid during a visit he made to the stricken area a few days before he was re-elected.

It was also pointed out that a precedent was set by the huge outpouring federal aid to the New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.