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Those impacted by recent flooding in St. Lawrence County can apply for funding to help recover from water damage

Posted 7/10/17

Those impacted by recent crippling flooding can apply for funding that will help them recover from damage caused by the high water. Last week, legislation that establishes the Lake Ontario-St. …

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Those impacted by recent flooding in St. Lawrence County can apply for funding to help recover from water damage

Posted

Those impacted by recent crippling flooding can apply for funding that will help them recover from damage caused by the high water.

Last week, legislation that establishes the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program was signed into law and provides $45 million in funding to homeowners—including owners of seasonal homes—businesses, farms, not-for-profits and municipalities that have recently sustained flood-related damage. The aid builds on $22 million made available by New York state in May, according to Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

Funding is available on a first come, first served basis once a completed, eligible application is submitted.

Details:

• Municipalities: $15 million in support is available to assist with high water recovery and mitigation efforts, including repairs to floodwalls, roads and sidewalks, as well as public water and sewer infrastructure. Municipalities with questions regarding support are encouraged to contact the NYS HCR Office of Community Renewal at 518-474-2057 or LakeOntario@nyshcr.org. In addition, a link to the funding application is available on Senator Ritchie’s website, www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.

• Homeowners: $15 million is available to help homeowners cover costs associated with repairs and restorations of structures, equipment and other types of physical damage. Those interested in applying are encouraged to contact Neighbors of Watertown, Inc. at www.neighborsofwatertown.com, floodinfo@neighborsofwatertown.com or 315-782-8497.

• Small businesses, farms, homeowners associations, and not-for-profit organizations: $15 million in grant funding is available for small businesses, farms, homeowners associations and not-for-profit organizations that have suffered physical damage due to flooding. Those in this category seeking assistance are encouraged to contact Empire State Development at LakeOntario@esd.ny.gov or by calling (518) 292-5348. In addition, a link to the funding application is available on Senator Ritchie’s website, www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.

In addition, the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program also provides local governments and school districts with special permission to cut property tax bills for affected property owners. That provision was modeled on separate legislation introduced by Senator Ritchie, which was previously approved by the Senate.

“Record high water has left many communities along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario defenseless when it comes to protecting property from damage,” Ritchie said in a news release. “I know how critically important it is to connect those impacted by flooding with the assistance they need to get back on their feet as soon as possible and am encouraging anyone who has suffered damages to apply for this vital funding right away.”

Ritchie’s 48th Senate District covers most of northern and western St. Lawrence County, including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur. It stretches south into Jefferson and Oswego counties.