Senator Seward Urges Small Businesses, Farmers, Non-Profits To Apply For Flood Assistance

ALBANY, 01/23/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced that applications are now being accepted for the Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Business Flood Recovery Grant Program. 

“Many small businesses, farms and non-profits damaged during Irene and Lee were already operating on a tight budget before the storms and are unable to afford costly repairs on their own,” said Senator Seward.  “This state grant program will help fill the gaps that private insurance, federal grants and other assistance programs haven’t covered.”

The Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Business Flood Recovery Grant Program was approved by the state legislature during the extraordinary legislative session last month.  Empire State Development will administer the $21 million grant program which will provide grants of up to $20,000 to offset the costs of storm-related repairs and restoration of structures not covered by other programs.  Small businesses, farms, multiple dwellings and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for a grant.

“New York State government has come through on a number of occasions since last fall’s storms but the needs in many upstate communities are great and further assistance is necessary.  This grant program is another piece of the solution as we continue to rebuild.  I urge all those who are eligible to apply as soon as possible,” Seward concluded.

Eligibility information along with applications are available online through the Empire State Development website at www.esd.ny.gov or by calling (518) 292-5340 or emailing floodrecovery@ed.ny.gov.  The deadline to apply is March 16, 2012.

Senator Seward continues to pursue additional flood recovery measures including legislation (S.6060) that he is sponsoring which would offer income tax credits to property owners that sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

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