Cape Vincent dairy farmer and former NNY state senator Darrel Aubertine will co-chair a task force on flooding in upstate New York caused by Hurricane Irene.

Mr. Aubertine, the current commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, was tapped by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration for the post.

The task force — a seeming un-SAGE entity — will ensure "seamless coordination between agencies," according to a press release. "These agencies will work together to coordinate rebuilding of infrastructure, economic development, agricultural renewal, power restoration, and assistance with private insurance."

Our part of the north country escaped the brunt of Irene's mess, but our neighbors to the south and to the east are picking up after a devastating storm that took dozens of lives, wrecked homes and caused billions in damage.

Here's the full roster of members:

Co-chair — Darrel Aubertine, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and Markets

Co-chair – Matthew Driscoll, President and CEO, Environmental Facilities Corporation

Joan McDonald – Commissioner, Department of Transportation

General Pat Murphy – Adjutant General, Division of Military and Naval Affairs

Andrew Feeney – Director, State Emergency Management Office

Joseph D’Amico – Superintendent, State Police

Joseph Martens – Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation

Ben Lawsky – Superintendent, Department of Financial Services

Garry Brown – Chairman, Public Service Commission

RoAnn Destito – Commissioner, Office of General Services

Brian Stratton – Director, Canal Corporation

Kenneth Adams – President and CEO, Empire State Development Corporation

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