Sep 06, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo says Rt. 73 from the Adirondack Northway to Keene Valley -- one of the most important travel corridors in the region -- will reopen within ten days.

He made the announcement Monday during a visit to Keene to inspect recovery efforts following tropical storm Irene. He also praised the community for rebuilding quickly but acknowledged that a lot of work remains to be done. Brian Mann was there and has our story.  Go to full article

Sep 06, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo made his second visit to Keene yesterday following Irene and widespread flooding in the Ausable River valley.

The trip was part of his effort to mobilize thousands of volunteers for a "Labor for Your Neighbor" day as communities across the state recover from the tropical storm. Brian Mann was in Keene for the governor's stop. He tells Martha Foley the governor got high praise from local people exhausted by the last eight days of assessment and clean-up.  Go to full article

Sep 05, 2011 — Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans a return to the Adirondacks this afternoon. He's scheduled to come to Keene at 2 pm, as part of his "Labor for Your Neighbor" flood recovery project.

New York Senator Charles Schumer visited the North Country yesterday to view flood-stricken communities along the Ausable River. According to the Plattsburgh Press-Republican, Schumer stopped in Keeseville, Black Brook and Jay.

He urged local residents hit by tropical storm Irene to sign up with FEMA, the Federal agency that is helping with individual assistance payments. A FEMA office has been opened in the town hall in Ausable Forks.

Meanwhile, over the weekend clean-up efforts continued, with the help of National Guard troops and huge numbers of volunteers.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Sep 02, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a program he's calling "Labor for your Neighbor." It's an effort to organize New Yorkers who want to help flood victims clean up from the damage over the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Karen DeWitt has the details.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Sep 02, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo last week issued his strongest comments yet over whether the federal government should spend the money to help victims of Hurricane Irene. Karen DeWitt has more:  Go to full article

Prattsville, NY, Sep 01, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo and Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, toured the flood devastated Catskill Mountain community of Prattsville Wednesday, as both promised financial aid and a determined rebuilding effort. Some residents, though, were feeling tired and defeated. Karen DeWitt has this report:  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Sep 01, 2011 — WEB ONLY: Speaking with Albany reporter Karen DeWitt last night after a long three days touring storm damage in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo talked about the resilience he's seen in communities beginning to pick up the pieces.
And he talked about the importance of government "when faced with bare reality." He said, "If government works, these communities can rebuild. If it doesn't, they won't."
Here's their conversation.  Go to full article

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