New York state officials are considering how to spend $41.2 million in recovery aid from the federal government approved in the wake of flash floods created by the remnants of Hurricane Ida last year. 

Consideration will include public input from communities affected by the flooding, which was spread over New York City and the tri-state area. 

The money will be used to help rebuild, but also comes with a "resiliency" component to bolster structures against future severe weather effects created by a changing climate. Public hearings will begin on Sept. 8 to develop an action plan on how to distribute the funding. 

"As New Yorkers continue to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, we remain fully committed to rebuilding our infrastructure, especially in our most vulnerable communities," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "Our Action Plan will prioritize funding for housing, businesses, and other key programs in the most impacted and distressed areas - helping ensure all New Yorkers are lifted up as we recover. As we deal with the effects of climate change, we will continue to do everything we can to help New Yorkers and their communities recover following extreme weather events."

The sudden flash flooding swept away people, flooding roads, parkways and basement homes, marking one of the first crises Hochul faced in the days after she took office. The flooding created $7.5 billion in damages and 17 New Yorkers were killed while 11,000 homes were damaged. 

State officials want to ensure the money is also spent fairly, and distributed to lower-income communities that have also been affected. 

"Hurricane Ida was a stark reminder that the next weather emergency is not a matter of if, but when," said Katie Brennan, the executive director of the Office of Storm Recovery in the governor's office. "Our Action Plan will help New Yorkers rebuild and take measures to keep themselves safe in the future."