Up to $3 million in emergency assistance will be made available to eligible homeowners in eight New York counties, including Ontario, impacted by flooding and recent storm damage. The State funds will provide emergency repair grants to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence in Canandaigua as a result of flooding that occurred on July 9th. The funding is also being made available to residents in Clinton, Essex, and Hamilton in the North Country; and Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester in the Hudson Valley.
The emergency grant funds announced Wednesday will cover damage incurred at a primary residence for homeowners who meet the program’s income guidelines. New York State Homes and Community Renewal will oversee the program which will be administered by several non-profit organizations in each county.
Homeowners in the affected regions can apply to receive funding to cover the cost of urgent repairs necessary to bring their homes into a safe and habitable condition. Eligible work may include repair or replacement of electrical and plumbing systems, heating systems and appliances, flooring, drywall, insulation, windows, doors, siding, and roofing. A full list of qualified repairs and eligibility criteria is available on the HCR flood program website.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded based on a scope of work approved by the local program administrators. Applicants must be homeowners whose primary residence is in one of the eight designated counties and who have incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
Eligible homeowners can apply for funding starting Friday, August 11th. Visit hcr.ny.gov/ahc-flood-assistance-program for more details.
“This additional funding will help to provide relief to even more New Yorkers impacted by these devastating floods as they work to repair their homes and return to their normal lives,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “My administration remains committed to assisting New Yorkers in any way possible as part of the recovery effort following last month’s historic storm.”
“I’d like to thank Governor Hochul for her response in providing this near-term assistance for homeowners,” said State Senator Pamela Helming. “It is my hope these funds will give individuals and families some relief from the financial stress of this situation. I recognize it may not help everyone and we will continue to work with other partners to connect residents with resources. We raised our voices and they were heard. This was about collaboration at all levels of government and within the community. Teamwork gets things done.”
Assemblymember Jeff Gallahan said, “This announcement is welcome news. After being with Governor Hochul the morning after this historic flooding event in Canandaigua, I am glad that we have secured Ontario County homeowners funding for their damages that was previously made available to Orange County residents. Canandaigua has never seen this level of flooding and damage before and hopefully never will again. It is imperative that we rebuild in order to keep Ontario County a premier place to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor on assisting everyone that was affected by this catastrophic flooding.”
Ontario County Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Campbell said, “Over 180 residential homes and apartments in Ontario County were impacted by the severe rain storm on July 9th. Our community has united together in remarkable ways to assist in the response and clean-up efforts. Ontario County is grateful that Governor Hochul is making funds available to homeowners to assist in their rebuilding process.”
Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo said, “On behalf of the most impacted by the storm event on July 9th I want to thank Gov. Hochul for her response with financial aid to homeowners. These funds will go a long way in relieving the stress of “how do I pay for needed repairs” that we’ve heard from so many.”
Canandaigua Town Supervisor Jared Simpson said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul, Senator Helming and Assemblyman Gallahan for their dedication to the residents of Ontario County. This funding will allow those hit the hardest to get back on their feet as they work through the rebuilding process. This represents all levels of government working together to provide much-needed relief to the taxpayers of the Town of Canandaigua and the surrounding communities impacted by this flooding.”
