O’Mara reminds homeowners in Chemung, Schuyler, other regional counties that February 4 is the deadline to apply for state relief funds: State fund open to homeowners hit by August 2018 flooding

Elmira, N.Y., January 30—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) today issued a final reminder that the deadline is Monday, February 4th for homeowners in Chemung, Schuyler, and several other regional counties to file an application for state aid through a new state residential assistance program created late last year to help homeowners recover from severe storms and flash flooding that hit the region last August.

O'Mara said, "The flooding last August destroyed homes, businesses, personal property, and local infrastructure.  It has put enormous strain and stress on local governments, individual homeowners, and entire communities.  We appreciated the deployment of state resources, including emergency responders and equipment, Department of Transportation and other work crews, and health care professionals to assist our local first responders.  This critical new funding program can make a great difference to local homeowners and entire communities to assist the ongoing restoration and recovery efforts."

Last November, the state announced $13 million was available for restoration and recovery efforts.  A new residential assistance program was created to provide funding to primary homeowners whose damages exceed insurance claims and other available aid.  With maximum grants of $50,000, the program is intended to help eliminate the unmet need of homeowners.  The program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and assistance is open to homeowners in Chemung, Schuyler, Broome, Seneca, Tioga, Delaware and Chenango counties.

The grants can go toward reimbursements to support repairs to and restoration of structures, and other physical damage required for safety and habitability, including foundations, heating systems, electric systems, wells and septic systems, insulation, and flooring.

The deadline for filing an application under the new residential assistance program is February 4, 2019.

Homeowners in Chemung, Schuyler, Broome, Chenango and Delaware should contact Arbor Housing Development (607-654-7487, ext. 2049; info@arbordevelopment.org; www.arbordevelopment.org) for assistance and more information.

Homeowners in Tioga and Seneca counties should contact Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation (585-657-4114; dbassage@rochester.rr.com; https://sheenhousing.org/).