BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The Binghamton City School District has gotten the good news it's been waiting for. Congressman Maurice Hinchey says FEMA has awarded the district nearly $20 million to rebuild MacArthur Elementary.

The school was destroyed by Tropical Storm Lee in September of 2011. The flood water was so high, it nearly reached the tops of the windows, forcing the district to close the school and move the students.

The $19.7 million from FEMA will cover about 75 percent of the costs to rebuild the school. New York State will pay the leftover 25 percent of eligible costs.