Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and business owners in Ontario County as well as neighboring counties impacted by last year’s early July flood event. Residents and businesses are now eligible to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans to aid in recovery from last July 9-10’s severe weather event that resulted in significant damage to homes and businesses.
“After devastating floods caused extreme damage across New York last July, I’m thankful for the federal assistance that will help relieve New Yorkers and small businesses that have suffered,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “My administration is working directly with FEMA to ensure our local government partners receive the critical funding they need to recover and rebuild.”
Staff from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and local government partners conducted a thorough assessment of the damages related to this storm directly after the event, which resulted in Governor Hochul’s request to FEMA for Individual Assistance. Earlier this year, FEMA denied the Governor’s request, which makes these loans vital to those seeking recovery.
Homeowners, residents, and businesses in Ontario, as well as the contiguous counties of Monroe, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Steuben, and Livingston are now eligible for the SBA loans. SBA loans can be very helpful to eligible parties who need financial assistance to get on the road to recovery following weather-related disasters and other emergencies.
The following groups may be eligible for SBA disaster loans:
- Homeowners: up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
- Homeowners and renters: up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
- Business owners: up to $2,000,000 for the replacement of real property, inventories, machinery, equipment, and other physical losses.
- Businesses and non-profits: Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2,000,000 to provide necessary working capital until normal operations resume after a disaster.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
DHSES is working with the SBA to open physical locations for Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in Ontario and Orange counties to help New Yorkers apply in-person for assistance. Starting Wednesday, Customer Support Representatives will be available at the following locations to help applicants with applications and to answer questions about the SBA disaster loan program:
- Ontario County Safety Training Center: 2914 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424
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- Opening Day & Time: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
- Daily Hours of Operation:
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- Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 1: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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- Closing Day & Time: Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “I saw the devastation of last summer’s flooding firsthand, and I’ve been fighting ever since for federal resources to help communities in Orange and Ontario counties, as well as the neighboring counties of Monroe, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Steuben, Livingston, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, and Rockland, rebuild and recover. I encourage eligible residents, nonprofits, and businesses to apply for these loans and, as always, my office is available to help.”
Representative Nick Langworthy said, “I’m proud to have advocated for this much-needed assistance to help families and small businesses in our region recover from the devastating July 2023 floods, including those in Steuben County. By securing these low-interest loans, we are providing essential financial relief that will enable our community to rebuild and regain stability — restoring homes, businesses, and overall quality of life. This successful effort is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together for the well-being of our communities.”
New Yorkers can find additional information, download applications, and apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. They may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected].
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