North Country Sen. Patty Ritchie is applauding the announcement of a Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River flood relief package announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday as part of the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).

Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, "will now work to ensure Northern New York, its businesses and homeowners get the help they need, her office said in a press release.

She represents the 48th Senate District. Its northern reaches include Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur. It goes as far south as Oswego County.

After the governor’s announcement in Rochester Monday, Ritchie's office said the senator met with state emergency management officials to begin to discuss what resources are needed immediately to mitigate the impact of high water and how municipalities, businesses and homeowners can rebuild in a way that ensures they are protected from any future flooding.

“While I am awaiting more information on the details of this program and how support will be allocated, I am pleased the Governor and our other state leaders understand the severity of the situation facing communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River,” Ritchie said in a prepared statement. “It is imperative that we work as quickly as possible to provide property owners, businesses and municipalities with the help they need to rebuild and enhance our shorelines so we are protected from flooding for many years to come.”

"As part of the Lake Ontario REDI, New York State has promised to provide, and pay planners to help each community rebuild in the safest and most forward thinking way possible. As they do so, a special focus will be placed on how to accomplish these goals while also creating new opportunities for tourism and economic development," her office said.