Ritchie Encourages Oswego County Residents To Attend Upcoming Flood Relief Workshop

State Senator Patty Ritchie is encouraging Oswego County residents who are still recovering from damage caused by this year’s record high water levels to attend an upcoming workshop on how to apply for flood relief funding.

The event—which is being cosponsored by Assemblyman Will Barclay—will be held on Tuesday, August 15th from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mexico Middle School, located at 16 Fravor Road in Mexico.

Those in attendance will be able to apply for and ask questions about the state’s new Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program, which 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 New York State in May.

“In recent weeks, hundreds of people across our region have attended workshops designed to help them bounce back from flooding—and I know there are still many more out there who need a helping hand when it comes to recovering,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. 

“I am encouraging those still seeking assistance to attend this upcoming workshop, which is just part of our continued efforts to connect people with the resources they need to overcome the challenges caused by high water.”

Assemblyman Will Barclay said, “Property owners along the southern and eastern shores of Lake Ontario have been battling high water since early spring and many property owners, unfortunately, have experienced damages and shoreline erosion.  Some need to hire contractors to repair property or protect from further erosion.  The meeting Tuesday will help to provide some answers on how homeowners and businesses can apply for financial relief and answer questions about the application process.  I’m pleased to work with Senator Ritchie to help more property owners learn about this grant opportunity and I encourage all who are affected by these devastating floods to apply for some assistance.”

At the event, representatives from Neighbors of Watertown will be on hand to provide assistance to homeowners to complete applications for funding. Individuals interested in applying for funds are encouraged to visit www.neighborsofwatertown.com in advance of the event to gather the necessary documents which will help expedite the application process.

In addition, representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Army Corp of Engineers, Empire State Development and the New York State Attorney General’s Office will be in attendance to answer questions about the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program.