Low- and Moderate-Income Homeowners in Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties Now Eligible for Grants of Up to $50,000 for Qualified Flood Repairs
Application to Launch This Friday, August 11 – Program Information Available Here
Builds on Governor’s Ongoing Commitment to Support New Yorkers Impacted by Historic Deadly Flooding
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced up to $3 million in emergency assistance will be made available to eligible homeowners in eight counties impacted by flooding and recent storm damage. The State funds will provide emergency repair grants to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence in the following counties – Clinton, Essex, and Hamilton in the North Country; Ontario in the Finger Lakes; and Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester in the Hudson Valley. This funding is in addition to the $3 million announced by Governor Hochul last month to assist homeowners affected by historic flooding.
“This additional funding will help to provide relief to even more New Yorkers impacted by these devastating floods as they work to repair their homes and return to their normal lives,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration remains committed to assisting New Yorkers in any way possible as part of the recovery effort following last month’s historic storm.”
The emergency grant funds announced today will cover damage incurred at a primary residence for homeowners who meet the program's income guidelines. New York State Homes and Community Renewal will oversee the program which will be administered by several non-profit organizations in each county.
Homeowners in the affected regions can apply to receive funding to cover the cost of urgent repairs necessary to bring their home into a safe and habitable condition. Eligible work may include repair or replacement of electrical and plumbing systems, heating systems and appliances, flooring, drywall, insulation, windows, doors, siding, and roofing. A full list of qualified repairs and eligibility criteria are available on the HCR flood program website.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded based on a scope of work approved by the local program administrators. Applicants must be homeowners whose primary residence is in one of the eight designated counties and who have incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The unprecedented weather events we’re experiencing are placing unexpected financial burdens on far too many homeowners. We know that Governor Hochul has made housing a major priority of her administration and today she is once again demonstrating that commitment by allocating resources that will ultimately allow New Yorkers to safely remain in the communities and homes they love.”
State Senator Pam Helming said, “I'd like to thank Governor Hochul for her response in providing this near-term assistance for homeowners. It is my hope these funds will give individuals and families some relief from the financial stress of this situation. I recognize it may not help everyone and we will continue to work with other partners to connect residents with resources.”
Assemblymember Jeff Gallahan said, “This announcement is welcome news. After being with Governor Hochul the morning after this historic flooding event in Canandaigua, I am glad that we have secured Ontario County homeowners funding for their damages that was previously made available to Orange County residents. Canandaigua has never seen this level of flooding and damage before and hopefully never will again. It is imperative that we rebuild in order to keep Ontario County a premier place to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor on assisting everyone that was affected by this catastrophic flooding.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “This is good news for Westchester County residents, particularly those in communities that were hardest hit like Yorktown, Ossining, Cortlandt and Peekskill. The support of the federal government is critical to helping homeowners put their lives back together again. We want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership and support in helping our residents recover and rebuild.”
Rockland County Executive Ed Day said, “My administration feels for the families who were impacted by this recent storm, and I send my sincere appreciation to Governor Kathy Hochul and her team for remembering the residents who are still dealing with the aftermath of this. We encourage residents who need financial support to apply for the assistance now available from the State of New York.”
Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O'Neil said, “This is welcome news and we thank the Governor for responding to our request and expanding help to include our Dutchess County residents who were devastated by the disaster. We are grateful for the state’s intervention and support.”
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said, “Last month, Putnam County was battered by heavy downpours and historic flooding. Many residents suffered severe damage to their personal property and are in need of additional relief, so this is obviously welcome news. I thank Governor Hochul and her team at DHSES for stepping up to provide additional assistance from the State to help homeowners and families who are still struggling to rebuild a month later. We are still proactively sharing information with the state and federal governments to bolster our Congressional representative's efforts to bring back additional assistance from FEMA.”
Ontario County Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Campbell said, “Over 180 residential homes and apartments in Ontario County were impacted by the severe rain storm on July 9th. Our community has united together in remarkable ways to assist in the response and clean-up efforts. Ontario County is grateful that Governor Hochul is making funds available to homeowners to assist in their rebuilding process.”
Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors Brian Wells, said, “Hamilton County would like to thank Governor Hochul and her staff for once more supporting our Adirondack communities. From their quick response during and after the flooding to her continuing financial and administrative support her commitment to all of New York is greatly appreciated.”
Essex County Chairman Shaun Gillilland said, “Essex County is enormously grateful to Governor Hochul for the additional resources for count residents whose property was damaged in the widespread flooding and significant recent storms. Our large County suffered quite widespread and pointed damage effects in numerous towns and hamlets. Essex County is not alone with New York State at our side as we face these increasingly unprecedented meteorological events.”
Clinton County Chairman Mark Henry said, “We welcome the needed aid and are grateful to the Governor for this much needed assistance to our home owners. And we look forward to working with New York State and the Governor to obtain additional aid to our municipalities from the July flooding events.”
Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo said, "On behalf of the most impacted by the storm event on July 9th I want to thank Gov. Hochul for her response with financial aid to homeowners. These funds will go a long way in relieving the stress of "how do I pay for needed repairs" that we've heard from so many."
Canandaigua Town Supervisor Jared Simpson said, "I would like to thank Governor Hochul, Senator Helming and Assemblyman Gallahan for their dedication to the residents of Ontario County. This funding will allow those hit the hardest to get back on their feet as they work through the rebuilding process. This represents all levels of government working together to provide much-needed relief to the taxpayers of the Town of Canandaigua and the surrounding communities impacted by this flooding."
Eligible homeowners can apply for funding starting Friday, August 11th. Visit hcr.ny.gov/ahc-flood-assistance-program for more details