Secretary Martinez on Monday announced that New York utility consumers will not have to pay for restoring energy and telecommunications service to parts of Lower Manhattan damaged in the September 11 terrorist attacks as a result of $750 million in aid from the Department. Another $33 million will go to businesses that suffered a disproportionate loss of workforce as a result of the attacks two years ago.

The terrorist attacks caused widespread destruction of the energy and telecommunications utility infrastructure in Lower Manhattan, resulting in extensive disruptions in service to businesses and residents. Utility companies responded quickly to provide emergency and temporary service and are restoring permanent service to all customers located within Lower Manhattan at considerable cost.

In addition to saving businesses and residential customers the cost of permanently rebuilding Lower Manhattan's electrical, gas, steam, and telecommunications systems, the Utility Restoration and Infrastructure Rebuilding Program will encourage investment in energy and telecommunications infrastructure. The program will provide financial assistance directly to reimburse energy and telecommunications service companies and will provide funding for permanent restoration.

With Monday's announcement, HUD will have committed some $3.4 billion in direct assistance to help struggling businesses, to provide residential incentives and to revitalize Lower Manhattan.