NY Gov: Need faster federal aid due Hurricane Irene

NEW YORK Aug 30 (Reuters) - New York state formally asked the federal government for an "expedited major disaster declaration" to cope with the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Irene, with at least 26 counties still devastated, the governor said on Tuesday.

"The public assistance would reimburse communities for the costs incurred for debris removal and emergency protective actions taken in response to Hurricane Irene," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. (Reporting by Joan Gralla)