Aug 31, 2011 — President Obama issued a disaster declaration that frees federal aid for people in areas affected by Irene's flooding, as well as municipalities in Albany, Delaware, Essex, Greene, Schenectady. and Ulster counties. FEMA says assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties could be added.

Rep. Bill Owens of Plattsburgh is among New York congressman who are preparing a letter asking the president to expand the declaration to more of New York, including Clinton, Warren and Washington counties. Owens and Rep. Chris Gibson were with Gov. Andrew Cuomo Tuesday to get a firsthand look at the devastation Irene brought to the eastern slope of the Adirondacks.

With his daughter Mariah in tow, Cuomo toured the tiny high peaks community of Keene, where flash flooding of the Ausable River wiped out bridges, roads, and buildings. Cuomo also announced he was suspending state Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environmental Conservation permit requirement to expedite clean-up and rebuilding. Chris Morris was there and has this report.  Go to full article

Aug 30, 2011 — Governor Cuomo was in the Adirondacks today, and he made a few announcements about post-Irene recovery.

First, Cuomo established the Upstate Storm and Flooding Recovery Task Force, to coordinate disaster response and recovery efforts for the North Country, Catskills, Upper Hudson Valley, and Mohawk Valley.

In a press release, Cuomo's office said the task force would "ensure seamless communication between agencies" to coordinate infrastructure rebuilding, economic development, agricultural renewal, power restoration, and assistance with private insurance.  Go to full article

Schoharie, NY, Aug 30, 2011 — Governor Cuomo took a helicopter tour with a top FEMA official to view the damage caused by flooding in the Mohawk River and Schoharie Valley. Karen DeWitt, who went along on the trip, reports that the governor says it's going to get worse before it gets better.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Aug 26, 2011 — Visit our Hurricane Irene page (link below) for live updates from Twitter and visitors to NCPR

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch and a flood watch for Long Island, New York City and Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is expected decide by late today whether people will need to evacuate.

Cuomo cancelled a fundraiser scheduled for last night and a planned vacation in the Adirondacks to return to the Capitol to prepare for the storm. The governor say he hopes the advance preparation will enable the stat to face the storm "in a calm and organized manner." Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Aug 25, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the start of a new $50 million dollar TV ad and marketing campaign for New York, aimed at convincing businesses to return to the economically challenged state. Karen DeWitt has the details.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Aug 25, 2011 — In Albany, a budget watchdog group is warning that lawmakers should not get too excited over the recently reported state budget surplus, and predicts even tougher economic times are ahead. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Aug 22, 2011 — New York State's Commission on Public Integrity is going out of business, at least until a new commission signed into law by Governor Cuomo earlier this month can get up and operating. Critics say the now-defunct ethics panel was flawed from its inception, but the commission defends its track record.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Aug 19, 2011 — The Adirondack Park Agency met yesterday in Ray Brook. It was their first monthly meeting without former chairman Curt Stiles, who announced his resignation in mid-July.

As Brian Mann reports, there is still no indication from Governor Andrew Cuomo about who will lead the APA going forward or when a pick will be made.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Aug 18, 2011 — Governor Cuomo signed into law new ethics oversight legislation, but some say the measure is flawed, and that there is still work to be done to fight corruption in government. In Albany, Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Aug 17, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo scored another win when he convinced the largest state worker union, the Civil Service Employees Association, to make concessions in its new contract. In Albany, Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article