Tagged: disaster relief

New York  Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a plan for the use of $1.7 billion in federal storm-damage funds.

Most of the money is going to homeowners and businesses hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy. But some will be used for damage from the storms Irene and Lee.

The money will be used around the state, including on Long Island. The exception is New York City, which has a separate allocation.

Nearly $260 million will be used to reduce the risk of future damage. Over $170 million will cover voluntary buyouts to residents in flood areas.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — With New York officials now proposing to spend $400 million to buy and demolish downstate homes damaged by October's Superstorm Sandy, they say 646 buyout applications have been federally approved for $55 million in a buyout program for upstate properties damaged in 2011 by the back-to-back storms Irene and Lee.

Four more Hudson Valley counties have been added to the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Sandy. The declaration now offers Individual Assistance to residents of Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

Rockland and Westchester counties were approved to receive the assistance days ago along with New York metropolitan area counties. Those two counties are also eligible for Public Assistance aid.