Governor Andrew Cuomo said Saturday that 2,000 National Guard troops have been called up to work with the MTA and Port Authority once Hurricane Irene passes though the city.

The governor said the troops will work with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

They are also being deployed in Long Island.

Cuomo said the state's coordination with local governments and the federal government is going smoothly.

"New Yorkers would like to think we're tough and we can handle anything. We are tough, but we're also smart, and we're smart enough to know that we don't mess with Mother Nature," Cuomo said.

The governor said the National Guard will be called in to help if the September 11th memorial in Lower Manhattan floods.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon also issued an order for 6,500 active duty troops to be on notice to support relief efforts.

The order came in response to requests for help from states in Irene's expected path.

The troops will come from all branches in the military.