Greg Hudson is reporting in The Daily Mail state and local officials learned Tue., Nov. 22, that the town of Prattsville will receive a $17.6 million federal grant to replace the Route 23 bridge. The bridge, which spans Schoharie Creek, was badly damaged by floodwaters following Hurricane Irene in 2011. The award, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is part of the agency's Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. Under the terms of the grant FEMA will cover 100 percent of the bridge replacement costs. State Assembly member Pete Lopez hailed the announcement, saying it was an important step in an ongoing process to protect the town and its citizens from natural disasters. "This culminates years of work and joint efforts between local officials, our soil conservation experts, the state Department of Transportation and my office, and more recently Sen. [George] Amedore and Congressman [Chris] Gibson," Lopez said. Announcing the award with U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said the new bridge will be less susceptible to damage from future floods and will also improve and enhance motorist safety. "This is a major investment that will help strengthen critical transportation infrastructure here in Greene County," Gillibrand said. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.