Governor Cuomo Announces Grants to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits in the Mohawk Valley 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 Mohawk Valley 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 James L. Seward said, "Small business owners and farmers, hit hard by last year’s flooding, reopened as soon as they were able to clean up the muddy water and debris that paralyzed our communities. Many took out loans, drained their personal savings and used credit cards to open their doors, plant crops and remain in long time locations. These grants will help pay off a portion of the recovery costs and ensure these community mainstays will remain part of our local fabric."

Senator Hugh T. Farley said, "These grants represent another important step in helping this region recover and rebuild after last year’s devastating floods. Working with the Governor, we were able to create this program to assist small businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations. We recognize that these entities are the economic backbone of these small communities, and I am glad that the State is able to offer this assistance to help them recover."

Assembly Member William Magee said, "These storms have wreaked havoc on rural, farming communities like ours. This critical funding will go a long way toward creating jobs and helping our area get back on its feet."

Assembly Member Anthony J. Brindisi said, "These grants will allow businesses and not-for-profits to use their resources to expand and grow instead of just trying to get back to normal. The last thing small businesses need right now is the added, unexpected expense of flood damage, especially when many are still struggling to balance the books or are just getting by."

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 Mohawk Valley receiving funding include: