New York $12m grant to power gas stations during emergencies

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the $12 million grant for the installation of permanent emergency generators at gas stations to ensure they have back-up power capacity after major storms and emergencies.

The funding, which is part of the governor’s Fuel NY initiative, aims to offset the cost of purchasing and installing generators of up to 200 gas stations.

"During Superstorm Sandy we experienced first-hand the crippling effects that gasoline disruptions have on recovery operations," Governor Cuomo said. "As hurricane season approaches, this Fuel NY funding will help prevent this scenario from repeating during future emergencies and ensuring our first responders have the resources to help those in need."

The multimillion dollar grant is available for strategic gas stations on a competitive basis. Applications for funding will be accepted through September 15, 2016.

Aside from power generators, the state also maintains the nation’s first Strategic Gasoline Reserve, which consists of 2.5-million-gallon fuel supply on Long Island and approximately 2.5 million gallons of gasoline and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in Upstate New York.