Governor Cuomo Announces Grants to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits in the Mid-Hudson Region to Support Flood Recovery Efforts

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that grants have been awarded to small businesses and not-for-profits in Mid-Hudson region 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

State Senator John Bonacic said, "Recovery from last year’s storms has been very challenging for so many families and small businesses. The funding announced today will help many in need and I am pleased that it is able to be made available."
Senator Bill Larkin said, "These grants show New York's commitment to ensuring our small businesses and not-for-profits recover from last summer's devastating floods. I applaud the Governor for making these grants a priority and ensuring the Hudson Valley's economy recovers and becomes even stronger."

Senator Steve Saland said, "While natural disasters are often unavoidable, it is critical to ensure that our economic progress is not derailed as a result. This funding helps provide the momentum our communities need to continue on the road to recovery by lifting the burden from those hit hardest."

Assembly Member Ellen Jaffee said, "The grant funding made available through the Business Flood Recovery Grant Program will help eligible small businesses, farms or non-profits continue to rebuild their infrastructure and prevent further damage. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership on this issue and for recognizing this important need."

Assembly Member Aileen Gunther said, "The funding made available through the Business Flood Recovery Grant Program will provide small businesses, farms, multiple dwellings units, and not-for-profits with the tools necessary to continue to rebuild their infrastructure. This initiative will continue our commitment towards improving our economy and creating jobs by helping those hit hardest get back on their feet."

Assembly Member Kevin Cahill said, "Too many small businesses, not-for-profits and farms are still struggling to rebuild from Irene and Lee because they were not covered by federal programs or private insurance. These grants will provide a much needed boost in their efforts to get back to pre-storm operating levels."

Assembly Member Kenneth Zebrowski said, "The unforeseen costs from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee threatened the vitality of Rockland's local economy. This funding will assist many local businesses cope with this economic hardship."

Assembly Member Frank Skartados said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo for awarding grants to small businesses and not-for-profits to support flood recovery efforts here in the Hudson Valley. These grants will go a long way in helping those who need the most help get back on their feet. Not only are we helping our communities recover, we are putting people back to work."

Assembly Member Didi Barrett said, "The devastation inflicted by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee on our region is still being felt today. These flood recovery grants will help offset the high costs of recovering and rebuilding allowing local businesses to grow and thrive once again."

Kenneth Adams, Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner, 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 Mid-Hudson Region receiving funding include: