Cuomo says NY will ensure money for eligible applicants from Lake Ontario flooding
NY expected to increase $45 million program to assist flood victims
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that all eligible applicants will receive relief for direct physical damages related to the historic Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River flooding. State programs will continue to provide vital assistance to homeowners, small businesses, farms, not-for-profit organizations, homeowner associations, owners of multiple dwellings, and local governments that were impacted by the flooding.
“As communities recover from the devastating flooding this summer, I am committed to helping every impacted New Yorker get back on their feet,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this funding, we will ensure everyone receives the help they need as the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River communities work to rebuild and become even stronger than before.”
For impacted homeowners, legislation enacted in July increased the maximum award from $40,000 to $50,000 and expanded eligibility to include all primary homeowners, as well as non-primary homeowners with income up to $275,000. Program assistance will reimburse homeowners for eligible losses, including repairs to and restoration of structures, equipment, and other physical damage. The program is being administered through not-for profit housing organizations seeking to help homeowners affected by the flooding.
Small businesses, farms, homeowner associations, and not-for-profit organizations that sustained direct physical flood-related damage are eligible to receive up to $50,000 under this program, while owners of multiple dwellings are eligible to receive up to $20,000. Program assistance are calculated at 50 percent of eligible loss, compensating eligible entities for repairs to and restoration of structures, equipment, and other physical damage and declines in revenue in excess of 15 percent as a result of closures or reduced business. The program is being administered by Empire State Development.
Counties, cities, towns, villages and special districts that sustained direct physical flood-related damage are also eligible to receive up to $1,000,000 for repairs to and restoration of municipal infrastructure and systems and up to $500,000 for flood mitigation, construction of resiliency measures, or flood control projects. This program is being administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
When the program was enacted $45 million was provided across these three categories. Based on the response received to date, it is likely that additional funds will be needed and, through the Executive Budget process, the State is committed to ensuring that all submitted eligible applications will receive relief.
