Governor Cuomo Announces Grants to Small Businesses and Not-For-Profits in the North Country to Support Flood Recovery Efforts

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that grants have been awarded to small businesses and not-for-profits in the North Country through the Business Flood Recovery Grant Program. 

Statewide, 584 eligible entities that sustained direct, flood-related damage as a result of Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee will receive a total of $7.9 million in assistance through the Business Flood Recovery Grant Program. Empire State Development (ESD), the agency administering the Business Flood Recovery Grant Program, will provide grants of up to $20,000 to the small businesses, farms, multiple dwellings, and not-for-profits that qualified for the program. 

"Helping our communities recover from the devastating floods has remained a top priority, and today, we have matched that commitment with critical funding to support their resurgence," Governor Cuomo said. "This grant program will help those who were hit hardest by the floods get the resources they need to rebuild."

The Business Flood Recovery Grant funding is geared to help offset the costs of storm-related repairs and restoration of structures not covered by insurance or other federal, state, or local recovery programs. ESD conducted a comprehensive review of applications before determining eligibility and the awards. Nearly 1000 applications were received and ESD continues to work with businesses to ensure the remaining applications are complete and all possible flood assistance is provided. All awards are pending public hearings and final approval by the Public Authorities Control Board, which are expected to be completed by first week of August.

A complete list of funded projects is available at: http://esd.ny.gov/DisasterRecovery/2012_HurricaneIreneFundedProjects.pdf

Senator Betty Little said, "In the hours, days and months following last year's flooding, the Cuomo administration’s response was extraordinary.  As we know, recovery from the devastation is a long and ongoing process.  I’m pleased to join Governor Cuomo in making this announcement recognizing the need for continued state assistance and the importance of helping employers in our hard-hit communities make progress and recover financially."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "When we support the recovery efforts of small businesses, we support the livelihood of all New Yorkers. I commend the Governor for his continued effort to provide relief for our communities affected by the devastating flooding last year, relief that ensures that the backbone of New York’s economy – comprised of our small businesses, farms, and not-for-profits – remains strong."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "The recovery of our communities is dependent on the ability of their local businesses to have the resources they need to get back to business. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, the state is showing its dedication to the flood recovery efforts by provided direct assistance to those who need it most."

The State Legislature passed Governor Cuomo's Flood Recovery Grant Program in December 2011 to ensure continued recovery efforts in regions of the state hit hardest by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The program was officially launched in January 2012. 

The new law includes support for communities recovering from the storms through the $21 million Business Flood Recovery Grant Program, as well as the $9 million Flood Mitigation Grant Program, which is administered jointly by Empire State Development (ESD) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In addition, New York State is providing $7 million in funding so counties can meet their 25 percent non-federal match requirements for eligible federally funded stream restoration projects through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Entities in the North Country receiving funding include: