Tagged: andrew cuomo

New York  Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a plan for the use of $1.7 billion in federal storm-damage funds.

Most of the money is going to homeowners and businesses hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy. But some will be used for damage from the storms Irene and Lee.

The money will be used around the state, including on Long Island. The exception is New York City, which has a separate allocation.

Nearly $260 million will be used to reduce the risk of future damage. Over $170 million will cover voluntary buyouts to residents in flood areas.

Today's Siena poll brings some bad news for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, finding his job approval rating has continued its downward trajectory and bottomed out at 54 percent - its lowest point since he took office in January 2011.

Things aren't completely cloudy for the governor, however. His favorability rating is better than two-to-one, ND well above that magic 50 percent mark.

Also, New Yorkers broadly support Cuomo's top legislative agenda items this year.

On Tuesday Gov. Andrew Cuomo held the districts up as models for the rest of the state, while promising them $12 million in competitive grants over the next three years.

Rochester is the biggest winner, receiving $4.5 million for identifying $9.5 million in savings. Newburgh and Kenmore-Tonawanda will each get $3.6 million for finding nearly $6 million in savings and Queensbury is being awarded $561,000 for finding $624,000 in savings.

An oil and gas industry group is warning that a business exodus from New York will worsen while Gov. Andrew Cuomo waits for a Pennsylvania health study before deciding whether to allow fracking.

Meanwhile, landowners are preparing to sue the state over lost gas-leasing opportunities.

The Associated Press reported Saturday that Cuomo came close to approving a limited drilling plan last month before environmentalist and former brother-in-law Robert Kennedy Jr. persuaded him to await a new study.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the federal budget fight forcing temporary across-the-board spending cuts will affect New Yorkers including students and seniors.

He says the cuts won't have as big an impact on state government.

The dispute between Democratic President Barack Obama and the Republican-led House over spending cuts and tax increases led to automatic cuts that started Friday.

Cuomo says brinksmanship isn't the way to do business and makes people anxious.