Gov. Andrew Cuomo is temporarily lifting requirements from the Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environemtnal Conservation to allow for emergency bridge and road repairs in the storm’s aftermath.

The DEC is also providing directions for how to dispose of storm debris and waste.

In parts of the North Country and upstate, this is a big deal.

Local officials have long complained of APA and DEC overreached when it comes to local construction and economic development.

The APA, in particularly, has been a point of contention for some Adirondack residents, who often wade through a sea of read tape to get anyhting done on their land.

“Government needs to do all it can to help devastated communities and homeowners get back on their feet and sometimes that means getting out of the way and allowing for quick rebuilding and restoration,” Cuomo said.

Roads in rural areas remain closed because of storm damage.

Of course, the biggest concern for many of these towns and counties moving forward will be paying for these repairs. Already cash-strapped from budget tightening, they’ll have to live within a 2 percent property tax cap next year, making federal aid all the more important.

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