Upcoming Workshops to Help Homeowners Impacted by Record Flooding Tap Into Recovery Funds

Homeowners impacted by recent, record flooding along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are encouraged to attend upcoming workshops on applying for funding that will help them recover from damage caused by high water. 

The first workshop, which is being cohosted by Senator Patty Ritchie, Assemblyman Will Barclay and Neighbors of Watertown will take place on Wednesday, July 19^th at the Sandy Pond Sportsmen’s Association (3201 County Route 15, Pulaski, NY 13142) at 6:30 p.m. Additional workshops will be held in Ogdensburg, Alexandria Bay and Sackets Harbor.

Recently, legislation establishing 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 New York State in May.

At workshops, homeowners will be able to have questions answered and receive assistance in completing applications for funding available to help them cover costs associated with repairs and restorations of structures, equipment and other types of physical damages.

“Making sure that homeowners have access to the resources they need to bounce back after this year’s crippling flooding is such an important part of the recovery process,” said Senator Ritchie.  “That’s why my colleagues and I worked to ensure that support was made available to help those impacted cover the cost of the damage Mother Nature caused.  I am encouraging anyone who is seeking help to attend an upcoming workshop and apply for funds as soon as possible.”

“Thousands of property owners have and continue to be affected by this flooding,” said Assemblyman Will Barclay. “Thankfully before the end of session, lawmakers provided some financial relief which is being made available through a grant process.  This outreach event will hopefully provide some clear instructions on the different state grants available to homeowners.”

“Across our region, property owners are continuing to feel the effects of high water,” said Gary Beasley, CEO and Executive Director of Neighbors of Watertown. “We are hopeful that through these workshops, we can provide homeowners with the information they need to tap into resources from the state that will help them recover.”

“Those living in Sackets Harbor and communities along Lake Ontario didn’t plan for the damage that high water has caused,” said Vince Battista, Village of Sackets Harbor Mayor, who is hosting a workshop aimed at helping those in the Village, Town of Hounsfield and Town of Henderson.  “We are looking forward to providing those who are affected with the information they need that will help them receive the support necessary to get back on their feet.”

“Whether it’s a dock that has been destroyed or a front yard that has suffered major erosion, the impact of high water has been devastating for so many who live near the St. Lawrence River,” said Town of Alexandria Supervisor Dale Hunneyman.  “I would like to thank Senator Ritchie and Neighbors of Watertown for planning this upcoming workshop, which will help connect homeowners with the opportunity to apply for funding that will help them pick up the pieces in the wake of recent flooding.”

“People in the North Country need help in order to fully recover from the record high water,” said Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley.  “Thank you to Senator Ritchie and Neighbors of Watertown for their work to provide St. Lawrence County residents with the information they need to access support that will allow them to rebuild and prevent future flooding damage.”

Additional workshops are as follows:

July 24^th

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Address: Dobisky Visitors Center, 100 Riverside Ave, Ogdensburg, NY 13669

July 31^st

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Address: Town of Alexandria Offices (Community Room) 46372 County Route 1, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

August 2^nd 

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Address: 112 N. Broad Street (Sackets Harbor Municipal Building), Sackets Harbor, NY 13685

Individuals attending workshops are encouraged to contact Neighbors of Watertown at (315) 782-8497 or visit www.neighborsofwatertown.com in advance to obtain an application for funding and view a list of required documents.  Assembling required documents and preparing as much of the application as possible in advance of the workshops will help to accelerate the application process.

Municipalities, small businesses, farms, homeowners associations, and not-for-profit organizations seeking funding to help cover the cost of damage caused by flooding are encouraged to visit Senator Ritchie’s website—www.ritchie.nysenate.gov— for additional information on applying for grants. 

In addition to offering funding, 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.