Disaster Recovery Information for Homeowners, Businesses and Local Governments

Here is some helpful information for homeowners, businesses and municipal officials still recovering from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Sotmr Lee.

If You Are a Homeowner

•The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has a variety of disaster assistance programs ranging from housing assistance to property damage loans. For information by phone, please call: 1-800-659-2955 or visit the Westchester Emergency Center at 198 Central Avenue, White Plains.

•New York State has $8 million in grants available for home appliances that were damaged by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. The program will help New Yorkers cover the costs of replacing vital household appliances, such as refrigerators, boilers washing machines and furnaces, damaged by the recent flooding. For information, go to www.NYSApplianceRebates.com or by calling 1-877-NY-SMART (877-697-6278).

•If you have become unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) relief. To see if you qualify, call Telephone Claims Center (TCC) at 1-888-209-8124.

•Governor Cuomo just announced a $16 million temporary work program known as the NY Works: Neighborhood Rebuilding Corps to help rebuild communities affected by Hurricane Irene. Funding for the program came from an emergency grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. More details are forthcoming and will be forwarded to you as soon as they are available.

If You Are a Business Owner

•Business Physical Disaster Loans through the Small Business Association can provide a non-profit or business of any size with up to $2 million to repair or replace real property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory, and leasehold improvements. Also, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) through the SBA can provide up to $2 million of financial assistance to small businesses or private, non-profit organizations that suffer substantial economic injury as a result of the declared disaster, regardless of whether the applicant sustained physical damage. For information please call,

1-800-659-2955, or e-mail DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

If You Are a Municipal Official

•The Department of Environmental Conservation can expedite the permit process for debris removal and erosion control from Hurricane Irene. Contact Joe Murray, Environmental Analyst, Division of Environmental Permits at 845-256-3040.

•New York State’s Hurricane Emergency Loan Program (HELP) can provide up to $1 million in no-interest loans for critical assessment and repair to drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. For assistance with a HELP loan, contact 1-800-882-9721 or via email at irenerecovery@efc.ny.gov.