Ritchie Encourages Central And Northern New Yorkers To Apply For Flood Relief Funding

State Senator Patty Ritchie is encouraging those impacted by recent, crippling flooding to apply for funding that will help them recover from damages caused by the high water. 

Last week, legislation that establishes the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program, was signed into law by Governor Cuomo that provides $45 million in funding to homeowners—including owners of seasonal homes—businesses, farms, not-for-profits and municipalities that have sustained flood-related damage recently.  The aid builds on $22 million made available by the New York State in May.

“Record high water has left many communities along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario defenseless when it comes to protecting property from damage,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. 

“I know how critically important it is to connect those impacted by flooding with the assistance they need to get back on their feet as soon as possible and am encouraging anyone who has suffered damages to apply for this vital funding right away.”

Details on funding—which is available on a first come, first served basis once a completed, eligible application is submitted—available through the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program are as follows:

Municipalities: $15 million in support is available to assist with high water recovery and mitigation efforts, including repairs to floodwalls, roads and sidewalks, as well as public water and sewer infrastructure. Municipalities with questions regarding support are encouraged to contact the NYS HCR Office of Community Renewal at 518-474-2057 or LakeOntario@nyshcr.org. In addition, a link to the funding application is available by visiting https://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/NYS-Flood-2017-Lake-Ontario-IT-Application-Form.pdf.

Homeowners: $15 million is available to help homeowners cover costs associated with repairs and restorations of structures, equipment and other types of physical damages.  Those interested in applying are encouraged to contact Neighbors of Watertown, Inc. at www.neighborsofwatertown.com, floodinfo@neighborsofwatertown.com or 315-782-8497.

Small businesses, farms, homeowners associations, and not-for-profit organizations: $15 million in grant funding is available for small businesses, farms, homeowners associations and not-for-profit organizations that have suffered physical damages due to flooding. Those in this category seeking assistance are encouraged to contact Empire State Development at LakeOntario@esd.ny.gov or by calling (518) 292-5348. In addition, a link to the funding application is available by visiting https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2016LakeOntarioFloodApplicationFormE.pdf.

In addition, the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program also provides local governments and school districts with special permission to cut property tax bills for affected property owners. That provision was modeled on separate legislation introduced by Senator Ritchie, which was previously approved by the Senate.