ALBANY — The state plans to pick up the estimated $9 million tab of extending benefits to Ground Zero volunteers once a federal program set up in 2002 expires this year.
Gov. Cuomo will announce the extension, covering about 1,900 volunteers, in his State of the State address Wednesday.
The new state funds are intended to cover costs not reimbursed under the Zadroga Act, which pays for medical screening and treatment but not home health aides, lost wages and other expenses.
“These brave men and women selflessly stepped up and helped their fellow New Yorkers during our darkest days,” Cuomo told The Post. “They deserve nothing short of our full support and I’m proud to say New York is stepping up to ensure that happens.”
The federal government set aside $25 million in 2002 to help volunteers who rushed to the site of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center and now face medical issues.
In 2005, Congress increased the World Trade Center Volunteer Fund to $50 million, but the money is expected to run out in April.
Cuomo’s executive budget will include $9 million to cover expenses incurred by volunteers who were sickened or injured because of their efforts.