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NY gets $49M for hurricane damage to canal system

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved $49 million for the New York State Canal Corporation to repair damage related to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Damages along the Erie Canal have been estimated to total $80 million.

After the late-summer storms in 2011, the Canal Corporation identified seven projects between Lock 8 and Lock 12 that were eligible for FEMA claims. The work includes structural repairs, paving, concrete work, pier construction, and erosion control.
 
The Canal Corporation also was awarded $4.2 million in reimbursements as part of its $34 million flood mitigation project to reinforce the eight movable dams in the Mohawk Valley.
 
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
 

NY reports crackdown on repeat drunken drivers

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York officials say their crackdown on repeat drunken drivers through new rules imposed last September has resulted in 3,164 potentially dangerous motorists being kept of the state's roadways.

School district residents head to the polls Tuesday

SOUTH COLONIE- "The old axiom no news is good news, I guess we're living with that right now," said Tim Kremer, Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association.

No news, Kremer said, meaning no outcries or big rallies against proposed school budget votes slated for tomorrow. A far cry from last year, when the property tax cap went into effect, leading to lay-offs, program cuts and school closures.

"There have been cuts and such, but slowly we're creeping back. Last year we got state aid, this year we get additional state aid of a billion dollars," he said.

But the increase wasn't enough for South Colonie schools, which is putting a budget before voters that exceeds the cap. The tax levy increase of 4.98% closes an eight-million-dollar gap, reduces spending and combines modified sports. It also cuts 90-95 positions.

Spa City to vote on gun covering law Tuesday

SARATOGA SPRINGS - City leaders will vote this week on a move to make it illegal to carry a gun in the open.

The public safety commissioner says some people were startled to find people carrying rifles near the most recent gun shows at the city center.

Commissioner Chris Mathiesen says it is common sense to have people put their weapons in a bag.

Commissioner Mathiesen says he heard from a number of people following the recent gun shows in town, that they were alarmed by rifles being carried around without cases. So he wants to make it law to cover them up.

The Saratoga Springs City Center has been hosting gun shows for 30 years. In the past year, especially after the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the shows and their organizers have been the subject of protest.

There’s even been an effort to get the shows cancelled.

Repairs to Twin Bridges completed

The Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge, also known as the Twin Bridges, carries the Northway ove the Mohawk River. - Ryansd92

COLONIE - The $29 million in repairs to the Twin Bridges are now complete.

The work to replace the bridge decks on the bridges wrapped up over the weekend.

Work to remove equipment, however, will continue and may result in some overnight lane closures.

The project began last year.

Car & Craft Show coming to Clifton Park Center

CLIFTON PARK – The Shenendeowa Rotary is gearing up for their 6th Annual Car & Craft Show.

The show will be held at Clifton Park Center on Saturday June 8th, from 10-3 p.m.

Besides cars and crafts, the show will also have vendors and live music.

All proceeds will support local children and teen programs in Southern Saratoga County, and Rotary International Projects throughout the world.

For more information, please e-mail Eric Anderson at eanderson@amica.com or Silvio Rugani @ drrugani@ruganichiropractic.com.

Summer Geocache Challenge at NYS Parks

Summer Geocache Challenge at NYS Parks

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga/Capital District region of New York State Parks will be hosting 50 all new geocaches in 16 state parks and historic sites.

There will also be a drawing for prizes for anyone who completes 35 of the 50.

The geocache challenge will begin on Memorial Day Weekend and will last until Veterans Day.