Massachusetts wants to help other states after Sandy

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) - Relieved that Massachusetts escaped the full brunt of Sandy's fury, Gov. Deval Patrick says the state may be able to lend a hand to other states that were in the direct path of the storm.

Patrick said Tuesday that he was in touch with officials in New Jersey and other states about possible mutual aid.

The Massachusetts National Guard has already sent two H-60 helicopters to New Jersey and a handful of soldiers to Connecticut.

In Massachusetts meanwhile, Patrick says public transportation is nearly back to normal, except for one branch of the MBTA's Green Line where buses are being substituted for trolleys.

About 290,000 Bay State residents remained without power as of 10 AM, down from about 400,000 at the height of the storm. Patrick said he expects utilities to update power restoration efforts later Tuesday.