Albany, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state will give $16 million in grants to communities hit by last year's damaging storms.
The state originally planned to distribute $9 million to 23 counties. But it has come up with another $7 million to help the local governments meet a federal matching funds requirement.
The counties were hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee last August and September.
The $16 million in state money will open up $44 million in federal and local funding to complete emergency watershed protection and flood reduction projects.
A complete list of funded projects by county is available on the state Department of Environmental Conservation website.
