Gov. Andrew Cuomo says federal relief money will help gasoline stations pay for electrical wiring to use generators that would keep gas flowing during power outages.

The $17 million in federal aid is part of the state’s relief package for Superstorm Sandy which hammered New York City and its suburbs including Long Island last fall. An interruption in power to gas stations and a delay in fuel delivery caused long lines requiring National Guard protection and rationing.

Cuomo had said the gas crisis was an unexpected and devastating part of the pain inflicted by Sandy.

The aid will fund the electrical wiring at gas stations in New York City and on Long Island to allow them to use temporary generators in the event of disaster or to install permanent generators.

(AP)