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State, County, Local Officials in Ontario County Call for Emergency Funding for Homeowners
July 24, 2023
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ISSUE:
- Flood Relief
Senator Pam Helming, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, and leaders from Ontario County and Canandaigua have joined in calling on New York State to approve emergency repair funding for homeowners in Ontario County impacted by recent flooding. The letter from Senator Helming and Assemblyman Gallahan to state leaders is attached.
County and municipal officials estimate that close to 200 homes in Canandaigua were damaged by flooding. Many of these property owners are now in need of assistance for critical and urgent repairs to ensure their homes are safe and habitable.
Senator Helming said, “Our state and federal governments have been great partners to our local governments during this time and we need that partnership to continue. I’ve made personal calls to the Governor’s office and to the Commissioner’s office at NYS Homes and Community Renewal to ask that emergency repair grants be made immediately available to help Ontario County homeowners impacted by the flooding. Thank you to our leaders and municipal employees in Ontario County and the Town and City of Canandaigua who have been doing incredible work, along with many local businesses, nonprofits and community volunteers, to help their neighbors in need.”
Assemblyman Gallahan said, “Flooding in Ontario County and across the state was something we’ve never seen in our lives in this area. Now that President Biden has declared a federal disaster for Ontario County, we deserve the same emergency repair funding grants that are being provided to homeowners downstate by Governor Hochul.”
Todd Campbell, Chairman, Ontario County Board of Supervisors said, “The Ontario County Board of Supervisors thanks Senator Helming and Assemblyman Gallahan for their leadership on this matter and joins with them in calling for these critical funds. As our community continues the recovery process from these devastating floods, it is crucial that we secure this immediate assistance now while looking to proactive mitigation measures that can lessen the impacts of these types of events in the future.”
Jared Simpson, Supervisor, Town of Canandaigua said, “Several homeowners had more than eight feet of water in their homes. Some homes suffered irreparable foundation damage. Dozens more have been temporarily uninhabitable. I am grateful to our volunteer organizations, Team Rubicon and Crisis Cleanup, for the hundreds, even thousands of hours of service they have provided to our residents. I join in calling for these immediate emergency funds to assist homeowners.”
Bob Palumbo, Mayor, City of Canandaigua said, “Most of the impacted homeowners in city neighborhoods are blue collar workers and retirees. I certainly welcome any funding help from FEMA but understand those funds could take years to reach our residents. Immediate funding as was sent to Orange County is what’s really needed in Ontario County. I thank the Governor’s office for her consideration of this request.”
Senator Helming has also called on the federal government to expedite hazard mitigation funding to New York under the federal STORM Act in order to launch the state’s Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund. This fund would provide future aid to help local governments reduce disaster risks in their communities.
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