9 counties eligible for ice storm aid

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Local counties struggling to clean up after last month’s ice storm may get federal help after all.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday in a press release that nine counties have been approved for emergency aid. The assistance is in response to a letter sent by Gov. David Paterson in the days after the Dec. 11 storm.

The announcement means that governments and certain private nonprofits may be eligible for federal aid through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The program provides money for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including police and fire overtime, equipment usage, emergency salting and sanding and shelter costs.

FEMA would fund 75 percent of the eligible costs.

In all, nine counties were deemed eligible, including Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga, Schoharie and Rensselaer.

The announcement came only days after FEMA denied the state’s request for a disaster declaration because $28 million across 16 counties was judged not high enough to merit federal aid. Paterson said the denial would be appealed to FEMA’s leadership.

As many as 300,000 utility customers were without power at some point during the storm, and some were left in the dark for more than a week. Countless trees and limbs fell, all having to be carted away.

FEMA officials said Friday evening the announcement marked a reversal for the nine counties. They couldn’t provide an explanation on what led to the change of heart. They also did not have an estimate of the damages in the nine counties.

Local government officials have called the federal funds crucial in paying for the emergency response and cleanup.

Saratoga County Emergency Services Director Paul Lent has estimated his county spent $6.4 million. The estimate includes the cost of operating shelters, clearing roads and removing fallen limbs and other debris.

In Niskayuna, one of the hardest hit towns, officials estimated the total cost could top $3.3 million.

Officials there said the federal aid would help pay for outside contractors to get the job done quicker with more hands and allow town workers to focus on their regular tasks. Town officials could not be reached for comment late Friday.