Important Resources for Homeowners, Businesses and Municipalities Impacted by Flooding

Patty Ritchie

May 30, 2017

State Senator Patty Ritchie is sharing new information to help homeowners, businesses and municipalities impacted by flooding on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River:

Homeowners: $7 million is available to help homeowners make repairs to property damaged by flood waters.  For more information, click here.

Municipalities: $10 million in state funding is being made available to assist eligible municipalities impacted by recent flooding with repairs to public water and sewer infrastructure, as well as repairs to things like roads, sidewalks and culverts. Applications for this funding are available here.  In addition, the Governor also just recently signed into law a measure cosponsored by Senator Ritchie, which accelerates the availability of emergency funding through the state’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017.

Businesses: Small businesses impacted by recent flooding will be able to tap into $5 million in funding, which will provide grants of up to $20,000 to assist with costs associated with repairing or replacing property.  Applications for funding will be available soon.

Weigh in: Cornell University recently launched a survey to determine the impact of the high water.  Results of the survey will be used to make future decisions about water levels and relief programs. Participate in the survey by clicking here.

Decreased speed limits on waterways: In an effort to reduce wave action and damage to property, there is now a 5 mile per-hour speed limit for vessels operating within 600 feet of shore on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. 

Mobile Command Centers: These centers offer technical guidance, provide on-site emergency permitting to residents and offer insurance help—will continue to set up throughout our region.  All centers will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and additional details are as follows:

Monday, May 29

City of Ogdensburg

100 Riverside Avenue (The Dobisky Center)

Wednesday, May 31

Town of Mexico

New York State DOT Maintenance Center

5846 Scenic Avenue

Thursday, June 1

Town of Lyme

Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department

11385 NY Route 12E

Friday, June 2

City of Ogdensburg

100 Riverside Avenue (The Dobisky Center)