GOVERNOR HOCHUL: $11 million in emergency assistance announced for eligible homeowners and municipalities impacted by severe weather pattern in July

ALBANY- Eligible homeowners and municipalities in the seven counties severely impacted by a string of severe weather last month have an opportunity for some financial assistance.

This week, the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced $11 million in emergency assistance funds, stemming from her request for a federal emergency declaration.

Up to $5 million in state funds will be made available to eligible homeowners impacted by these storm events. The Governor says this state funding will provide emergency repair grants of up to $50,000 to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence, including those in Lewis and Oneida Counties.

“After extreme weather events caused major damage across Upstate New York, we are providing rapid relief for impacted residents and municipalities,” Hochul said.

“While I continue to urge the federal government to act quickly on our request for an emergency declaration, my administration remains committed to assisting affected New Yorkers so they can recover from these devastating storms.”

Applicants must be homeowners whose incomes are at or below 100 percent of Area Median Income to qualify. Eligible homeowners interested in applying may inquire here.

Furthermore, up to $4 million in emergency funding will be awarded to Oneida County and the City of Rome to support demolition of unsafe and unstable structures from tornado and severe storm damage.

In a letter to the Governor’s Office last month, County Executive Picente and Mayor Lanigan estimated $25 million in demolition costs alone.

Additionally, a $2 million Restore New York program grant previously awarded to support the rehabilitation of 233 West Dominick Street in Rome, will be authorized for demolition and redevelopment of the site.

The next round of the Restore New York program, which will launch this summer, will incorporate guidelines for communities affected by these storms to apply for funding to support initiatives to demolish or repurpose now blighted or unsafe buildings, according to the Governor.

Image via Naturally Lewis.