Gov. suspends APA, DEC rules for Irene rebuild

KEENE - Gov. Andrew Cuomo has suspended state Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environmental Conservation regulations so people in flooded towns can rebuild from Sunday's devastating effects of Tropical Storm Irene.

Cuomo announced the news this afternoon in Keene.

Congressmen Bill Owens and Chris Gibson are also touring flooded areas today.

Article Photos

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in Keene Tuesday, discusses damages with Jane Martin, whose home was ripped off its foundation and twisted by the raging Gulf Brook Sunday during Tropical Storm Irene.
(Photo — Naj Wikoff)

Keene town Supervisor Bill Ferebee, center, explains damage from Tropical Storm Irene to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (right of Ferebee) as others listen — including, from left, state Sen. Betty Little, Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward and U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson — Tuesday afternoon in Keene.
(Photo — Naj Wikoff)

Mountaineer outdoor gear store owner Vinny McClelland explains flooding issues to U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson Tuesday in Keene.
(Photo — Naj Wikoff)

At 4 p.m. today, the Adirondack Community Trust plans to host a gathering in Keene to discuss how the foundation can help townspeople rebuild, according to Lake Placid News correspondent Naj Wikoff. Homes, businesses, bridges and roads were damaged, and many - including the Keene fire hall - were destroyed.