Prattsville after Tropical Storm Irene (August 28, 2011)PRATTSVILLE, N.Y. - Governor Andrew Cuomo's office detailed the $574 million in state aid Thursday that has been distributed in the past year to help communities across New York rebuild and recover from Tropical Storms Irene and Lee.
The Town of Prattsville was often labeled as one of the hardest hit areas in the entire state after the storms, and almost a year later, the rebuilding process is still going on.
Thursday, Governor Cuomo pledged $500,000 in continued state aid to Prattsville alone, and another $500,000 if that amount is not sufficient enough to rebuild homes and businesses.
Last August, the small town in Greene County was ravaged by the storms. Foundations were uprooted and roads were washed away. One year later, a town some thought would be wiped off the map still exists.
Kory O'Hara, Prattsville's Supervisor, first learned of the grant from News10.
O'Hara says he has been pushing for the money for three to four months and it is a huge relief.
O'Hara says businesses in the town have been able to take advantage of some state aid, but right now homeowners need it the most.
The Governor's office says applications for the aid will be available within a few weeks.
In addition, $145,000 is being pledged to some Schoharie County towns for the fire departments and first responders.
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