Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday that the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are waiving permitting requirements for emergency repairs as result of Hurricane Irene, allowing community leaders and private landowners to directly respond to the need for waterfront, road and bridge stabilization, and emergency repairs.

“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,” Governor Cuomo said.

Local officials as well as individual property owners should take the urgent and immediate steps to stabilize and repair property, roads and bridges without consultation with the APA, according to Cuomo.

The APA will be available to confirm emergency advice for officials or individuals in writing when requested.

Hurricane Irene has caused widespread damage to public and private property and much of the replacement and repair will take place in environmentally sensitive areas such as coastal erosion areas, protected waterways, and wetlands. Permitting for construction and repair projects in these areas is suspended, Governor Cuomo said.