Senator Farley Announces Help for Area Farmers Affected by Flooding

As local counties continue to get hammered by Mother Nature, a new State Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund has been established to help rebuild the farming industry in this region, according to State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady).

"Business owners, homeowners and renters can apply for assistance through FEMA, but many of our farmers are going to lose crops due to the constant flooding and will be devastated," Senator Farley said.

The funds will be used by soil and water conservation districts to assist with agricultural infrastructure, mitigation of stream banks, and drainage and sewer rehabilitation. The funds will be available through the Upstate Agricultural Economic Development Capital Fund and the Department of Housing and Community Renewal's Community Development Office.

According to the New York Farm Bureau, farmers are encouraged to work with their county emergency management and Farm Service agencies to document and report damage in order to tap into the disaster assistance programs from USDA’s Farm Service Agency, FEMA, or the Small Business Administration.

Homeowners, business owners and renters in Montgomery, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties are encouraged to contact FEMA for assistance by calling (800) 621-3362, or register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ FEMA has also established a Disaster Recovery Center at the Rotterdam Mall, located at 93 W. Campbell Road, Schenectady, or at the Holiday Inn, 106 Holiday Way, Schoharie.