State allots $13M for August storm recovery

Nov. 03--Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday that $13 million is available for restoration and recovery efforts after the severe storms and flash flooding on Aug. 13-15 that hit the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.

A residential assistance program has been created to provide funding, of up to $50,000, to primary homeowners whose damages exceed insurance claims and other available aid. The program, which impacts Chenango and Delaware counties locally will be administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

The grants can go toward reimbursements to support repairs to and restoration of structures, and other physical damage required for safety and habitability, including foundations, heating systems, electric systems, wells and septic systems, insulation and flooring.

National Weather Service data show these regions received between 10 and 20 inches of rain during the 30-day period beginning July 22, according to a media release from the governor's office. The August storms near the end of this period produced heavy rainfall, flash flooding and strong winds, and combined with ground saturated by this abnormally wet period, produced significant damage.

On Aug. 14, the governor declared a state of emergency, and nine local governments also declared states of emergency because of the severity of the storm. Widespread power outages impacted more than 1,500 homes and businesses in the area.

As a result of the damage caused by these storms, Cuomo requested technical assistance in the form of a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment on Aug. 24, the release said. On Oct. 2, the federal government announced approval for a major disaster declaration, making funding available to state government, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by these severe storms.

Applications from homeowners for the residential assistance program will be accepted starting Monday.

The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 4. Applications for local homeowners impacted will be available from Arbor Housing and Development by calling 607-654-7487, ext. 2049, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.arbordevelopment.org

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