Binghamton, NY – An additional $61 million in funding for flood relief advocated for by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo was announced today by Governor Andrew Cuomo. New York State will help pay for the local share of disaster-related expenses, making over $9.4 million available to school districts and local governments in Broome County.

Back in October, Lupardo introduced legislation (A.8654-A) that would require the state to pay any non-federal share for municipal damage resulting from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. FEMA currently pays 75%, with localities and the state each paying half (12.5%) of the remaining 25%.

"I introduced legislation to provide this funding back in October and I’ve been advocating for this ever since,” said Lupardo. “I’m grateful that Governor Cuomo is now making this funding available to help cash-strapped local governments and school districts. This will save taxpayers money and help the flood recovery efforts in the Southern Tier.”

Flood recovery projects in Broome County are estimated to cost $75,223,597. Of that total cost, the state will cover the $9,402,950 local share.

“We were able to pick up the local share of expenses not covered by FEMA after the flooding in 2006,” said Lupardo. “I am grateful that this type of the assistance will be coming to our community once again."

The $61 million announced today will help cover costs for infrastructure repair, flood mitigation and other clean-up projects in 25 counties throughout the state. The total storm recovery cleanup cost is expected to exceed $1.6 billion.