Richard Moody is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Columbia and Greene counties are two of 28 counties in New York affected by Winter Storm Stella in March that are now eligible to receive assistance from the federal government. The disaster declaration issued last week unlocks Federal Emergency Management Agency resources and money to cover the costs of storm-related emergency work, repairs and replacement of damaged facilities. The storm dumped more than two feet of snow in some areas. Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden said most of Greene County's expenses stemmed not from damages but the costs of snow and ice removal. Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matthew Murell said Columbia County’s expenses mostly stemmed from the cost of sand and salt and labor. In addition to recouping the cost of materials and wear and tear of equipment, both counties are looking to be reimbursed for personnel overtime. The major disaster declaration is the first step toward receiving FEMA funds. If the agency changes the parameters of what expenses are covered the funds may prove to be inaccessible. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.