N.Y. Distributed $574M in Post-Hurricane Irene, TS Lee Aid So Far

New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday marked the upcoming one-year anniversary of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee by issuing a comprehensive report – “NY Responds.”

The report says more than $574 million in state aid has been distributed in the past year to help communities across New York rebuild and recover.

Gov. Cuomo said that over the past year, more than $277 million was provided in direct aid programs for families, individuals, businesses, farms, and localities throughout the state, including $137 million to the seven hardest hit counties: Broome, Delaware, Essex, Greene, Orange, Schoharie and Tioga.

To date, 774 farms and 741 businesses have received direct aid from the state.

“Today we recall the devastating storms that hit New York last summer, causing massive destruction to homes and communities across the state,” Gov. Cuomo said.

“A year later, we remember the extraordinary response efforts of the thousands of brave men and women in emergency services, law enforcement, and the National Guard who put their lives on the line to protect countless New Yorkers,” the governor said.

“For all of the destruction and damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, these storms could not break the kindred spirit of New Yorkers, and in the aftermath we experienced an unprecedented outpouring of good will with neighbor helping neighbor and communities coming together to rebuild as one.”

To continue rebuilding communities affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee and prepare for future emergencies, the governor also announced a series of new measures for affected localities.

The measures include: $2.4 million for dam repairs; $500,000 to assist businesses and homeowners in the hard-hit Town of Prattsville; $145,000 in grants to first-responder organizations in Schoharie County; an initiative to improve cell phone coverage in the Northern Catskills; and additional federal funding to cover un-met individual needs of storm victims across the state.

The report, “NY Responds,” can be found on the New York State government website.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters New York Hurricane