http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-983832.mp3
Albany, NY – Dealing with Irene's aftermath in New York State is the next ordeal for New Yorkers, who were slammed over the weekend by the tropical storm. WAMC's Tristan O'Neill reports...
More than 909 thousand homes in New York are without power, major highways and roads remain closed, and residents are keeping a close eye on rising creeks and rivers.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says the state has doubled the number of National Guard troops helping with the cleanup...
"They'll be working with the MTA, they'll be working with the Port Authority, they'll be assisting the NYPD," said Cuomo.
President Barack Obama has promised federal aid to help those states in need...
"As I've told governors and mayors from across the affected area, if they need, something, I want to know about it," said Obama. "We're going to make sure that we respond as quickly and effectively as possible."
Governor Cuomo says the following areas are now eligible for the aid: all of New York City and Long Island, as well as the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.
The storm has left 22 people dead, and an estimated $7 billion dollars of damage in its wake.
Tristan O'Neill, WAMC News.