Disaster recoveryNew York moves swiftly to spend Hurricane disaster funds
Less than a week after Hurricane Irene blasted New York with wind and rain, state emergency officials had authorized disaster relief funds and were swiftly distributing them to hard hit farmers and residents
Less than a week after Hurricane Irene blasted New York with wind and rain, state emergency officials had authorized disaster relief funds and were swiftly distributing them to hard hit farmers and residents.
Five days after the hurricane swept through the state, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo authorized the use of $15 million for the state’s agricultural commissioner to help farmers and local governments rebuild.
“We were able to craft that program within five days of the hurricane and we had money going out the door within three weeks of the event,” said Darrel Aubertine, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Julie Suarez of the New York Farm Bureau praised Governor Cuomo’s quick disaster response.
“We commend the governor in a time of very scarce resources for freeing up resources to help our farms,” Suarez said.
So far that money has been spent on strengthening stream beds and helping more than 350 farms make repairs to barns and equipment that had been inundated with mud and debris. In addition more than $1 million has gone towards helping farmers pay for feed and crop replacement.
Aubertine said much work remains including clearing bottlenecks in stream beds to prevent flooding from rain or snow melt.
“The long term recovery piece is real. And these businesses, farms are going to be on shaky ground for many years. So we need to pay close attention to that,” said Assemblyman Pete Lopez.
“The Cuomo administration has been very nimble. They’ve been boots on the ground. They’ve been good listeners. They’ve been engaged,” Lopez added.
Last week the governor signed legislation authorizing more state funds to assist farmers with recovery efforts in particular cleaning up stream beds in rural areas.
