Senator Helming Calls On Federal Government To Expedite STORM Act Funds

Senator Pam Helming is calling on the federal government to expedite FEMA funding to New York in order to launch the state’s Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund. Her letter to the local Congressional Delegation is attached above. 

The federal STORM Act provides $500 million in hazard mitigation funding to states to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters. Senator Helming helped lead the effort in the New York State Legislature to get enacting legislation included in this year’s state budget to establish New York’s Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund to provide financial assistance for projects that reduce disaster risks for communities.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) applied for $15 million of the first-available $50 million to establish its Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund. The identified priorities for this fund include mitigation projects that address localized flood risk reduction and infrastructure retrofit.

“Local governments are eager to take additional hazard mitigation steps to safeguard their residents and communities. The state and federal governments have shown great cooperation in assisting our local municipalities after the recent storm. Approving and expediting the funding available under the STORM Act is another step we can take to support our communities and homeowners,” said Senator Helming.

Parts of Ontario County in Helming’s district have experienced severe flash flooding as a result of recent heavy rainfalls, resulting in millions of dollars in damage to local infrastructure.

“The Ontario County Board of Supervisors thanks Senator Helming for her leadership on this matter and joins with her in calling to expedite the release of these critical mitigation funds. As our community continues the recovery process from these devastating floods, it is crucial that we look to proactive mitigation measures that can lessen the impacts of these types of events in the future,” said Todd Campbell, Chairman, Ontario County Board of Supervisors.