STATE TO COVER LOCAL COSTS OF IRENE RECOVERY

$2.9 million for Rockland and $14 million to five counties in the Hudson Valley

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Wednesday announced that New York State will cover the local share of disaster response and recovery costs resulting from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in five counties in the Hudson Valley.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) usually covers 75 percent of eligible disaster response and recovery costs, and the remaining 25 percent is typically shared equally by the state and localities. Last week, the Governor announced that the state will make $61 million available to 25 counties to cover costs associated with emergency shelter, road, water system and infrastructure repair, stream and riverbed mitigation, and other clean-up projects. Today’s announcement provides an additional $14 million to five counties in the Hudson Valley.

“Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee devastated parts of the state, and this money is to make sure localities are not hit with a one–two punch as they get back on their feet,” Governor Cuomo said. “After these storms swept through the state, New Yorkers were the first to pitch in to help their neighbors and now, by covering local costs, the state is doing its part to help local governments rebuild and recover.”

The state is able to cover the local share of costs through funding put in place by the Legislature and additional federal funds requested by the Governor.

U.S. Representative Nita Lowey said, “Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused severe damage to Westchester and Rockland County homes, businesses, and infrastructure. As local governments across our state face serious financial strain, it is great news that New York State will cover the counties’ costs related to emergency shelter, road, water system and infrastructure repair, stream and riverbed mitigation, and other clean-up projects. I commend Governor Cuomo for providing this vital relief and will continue working to ensure local governments have the resources they need to respond and recover to natural disasters.”

Senator David Carlucci said, “Governor Cuomo deserves praise for his leadership, and helping to secure funding for rebuilding areas in New York that were hit by the worst hurricane in years. Rockland and Orange Counties finally get some much needed mandate relief, and will no longer have to worry about that cost hanging over their heads. State government stands with the people of the Hudson Valley as they rebuild their homes, and their futures.”

Assembly Member Annie Rabbitt said, “This financial support will save millions of dollars for our local towns and villages and provide much needed funding to help areas hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his hard work to answer the needs of New Yorkers affected by these devastating storms.”

  hurricane, new york state, rockland county