Governor Hochul Requests Physical Disaster Declaration From U.S. Small Business Administration for Homeowners, Renters and Businesses Impacted by July Flooding

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced she has requested a Physical Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Columbia, Rensselaer and the contiguous counties of Albany, Saratoga, Washington, Dutchess, Greene and Ulster, following a flooding event from July 28 to July 29, 2026.

“New Yorkers deserve the chance to build back better than before when their homes and their businesses are impacted by severe weather events,” Governor Hochul said. “While our state is no stranger to weather, every opportunity for support can help and we hope our federal partners will recognize the needs of our communities.”

If approved, the following groups may be eligible for low-interest SBA disaster loans:

• Homeowners: up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
• Homeowners and renters: up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
• Business owners: up to $2 million for the replacement of real property, inventories, machinery, equipment, and other physical losses.
• Businesses and non-profits: Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to provide necessary working capital until normal operations resume after a disaster.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “New York’s homeowners and small business owners must be able to access critical funding to further help their recovery whenever disaster strikes. I thank Governor Hochul for requesting this declaration from the Small Business Administration, and I also thank Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Ulster, and Washington Counties' emergency managers for their efforts and partnership during and immediately following the storm.”

About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

Get real time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.