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Governor Hochul Announces $11 Million in Emergency
Assistance in Response to Tornadoes and Flooding Across New York State in
July
Published: August 01, 2024
at 09:30 a.m.
By: Press Release from Governor Hochul’s Office (July
31, 2024)
Governor Hochul Announces $11 Million in Emergency
Assistance in Response to Tornadoes and Flooding Across New York State in
July
Up to $5 Million To Support Low- and Moderate-Income
Homeowners in Chautauqua, Erie, Essex, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, and Warren
Counties
Eligible Homeowners Can Apply for Up to $50,000 for
Qualifying Emergency Repairs
Up to $4 Million for Oneida County, Including the
City of Rome, for Demolition Work
Immediately Following Storms, Governor Hochul Toured Storm Damaged Communities
Governor Kathy
Hochul today announced up to $11 million in emergency assistance for
eligible homeowners and municipalities in seven counties impacted by a
series of severe weather events. From July 10th to the 16th, 22 tornadoes,
severe thunderstorms, and flooding affected multiple Upstate communities.
This funding follows the Governor’s request for a federal Emergency Declaration to
support response and recovery operations in 15 counties. Immediately
following the storms on July 17, Governor Hochul toured communities to assess the damage.
“After extreme
weather events caused major damage across Upstate New York, we are
providing rapid relief for impacted residents and municipalities,” Governor
Hochul said, “While I continue to urge the federal government to
act quickly on our request for an emergency declaration, my administration
remains committed to assisting affected New Yorkers so they can recover
from these devastating storms.”
Up to $5 million
in state funds will be made available to eligible homeowners impacted by
these storm events. This state funding will provide emergency repair grants
of up to $50,000 to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary
residence in Lewis, Madison, Oneida, as well as Chautauqua, Erie, Essex,
and Warren Counties. New York State Homes and Community Renewal will
oversee the program and grants will be awarded based on a scope of work
approved by local administrators according to program guidelines.
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. Applicants must be homeowners whose incomes are at or
below 100 percent of Area Median Income to qualify. Eligible homeowners
interested in applying may inquire here.
Up to $4 million
in emergency funding will be awarded to Oneida County and the City of Rome
to support demolition of unsafe and unstable structures from tornado and
severe storm damage. Additionally, a $2 million Restore New York program
grant previously awarded to support the rehabilitation of 233 West Dominick
Street in Rome, will be authorized for demolition and redevelopment of the
site. The next round of the Restore New York program, which will launch
this summer, will incorporate guidelines for communities affected by these
storms to apply for funding to support initiatives to demolish or repurpose
now blighted or unsafe buildings.
New York State
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie
Bray said, “The assistance being made available by Governor Hochul will
help families begin to repair the damage they suffered. The team at DHSES
is working closely with local officials to make sure that the communities
affected by these storms get every federal dollar that they are eligible
for.”
New York State
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne
Visnauskas said, “As residents
across Upstate New York recover from the destruction caused by recent
tornadoes and severe storms, this financial assistance will help eligible
homeowners pick up the pieces and ensure their homes are made safe and
habitable. Thanks to Governor Hochul, the State is in a better position to
provide aid and assist more New Yorkers as they face the fallout from
climate-related storms.”
Empire State
Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under
Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State continues to support
communities in the aftermath of severe weather events. When this storm
irreparably damaged a building earmarked for redevelopment in Rome, ESD was
able to pivot and reallocate the funding to instead support demolition,
accelerating recovery and safety efforts in the area.”
State Senator
Joseph Griffo said, “Rome, Canastota and other communities in the
region were greatly impacted by recent tornados and severe weather. While
local cleanup efforts continue, it is imperative that the state continues
to support the individuals, families and local governments affected by
these significant weather events. The funding announced today will be an
additional resource that can help our storm-ravaged communities recover,
rebuild and come back stronger than ever.”
State Senator Dan
Stec said, “Our region, particularly Essex and Warren Counties, was
devastated by the recent tornados and thunderstorms. We’re thrilled that both of these counties are receiving state funding. This
will be crucial in helping our families and communities recover and get
back on their feet."
Assemblymember
Marianne Buttenschon said, “The Rome
community has faced a devastating disaster. It will take all levels of
government to come together and provide the necessary support for the city.
I appreciate the Governor assisting with these critical first steps of
demolition and emergency repairs.”
Assemblymember
Ken Blankenbush said, “I am proud
of the constituents in the 117th. These are people who rarely ask for help
and now they are facing devastating circumstances. The multiple flooding
incidents in Lewis County has left bridges and
roads washed out, businesses closed, and people’s homes with destruction
they are unable to pay for. Shortly after, the Mohawk Valley was hit, and
the destruction continued. This is another step to rebuild our communities.
Taking care of our people is a goal all can agree on. I would like to thank
the Governor’s Office for their work with this additional support.”
Assemblymember
Billy Jones said, “It is great news that the state is allocating
over $5 million to Essex County to help with the damage from recent
flooding and tornadoes. This will help so many hardworking North Country
residents who never imagined that such severe weather would occur. My
thoughts go out to everyone who was impacted by the recent weather events,
and I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure that we have
the support needed to respond to these events in the future."
Assemblymember
Brian Miller said, “The Governor has pledged a total of $11
million to assist with the recent storm damage. The pledge will include $6
million for demolition projects in the City of Rome. $5 million will be
allocated for emergency repair grants to assist homeowners in Madison,
Oneida and other counties impacted. This is a significant step in helping
our communities recover and rebuild from the recent storms. These emergency
repair grants of up to $50,000 per homeowner will provide essential support
to those whose primary residences were damaged, ensuring that homes are
made safe and habitable once again. This funding is crucial for our
residents, and I urge eligible homeowners to apply and take advantage of
the emergency repair grants. Thank you to Governor Hochul and the state
agencies involved in the recovery of our communities.”
Assemblymember
Matt Simpson said, “It is truly heartbreaking to see the
devastating effects recent weather events have had on families throughout
the North Country. Those impacted in Essex and Warren County have exhibited
nothing but strength and resiliency in the face of the significant
adversity brought onto them by these storms. News of this assistance will
strengthen those communities resolve and I thank Governor Hochul for making
this funding available.”
Erie County
Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “As we saw here in Erie County and
statewide, bad weather can develop and intensify quickly into storms that
destroy homes and businesses, changing lives in an instant. This summer has
seen a pattern of destructive storms sweep across New York state with
multiple communities affected by intense weather the likes of which they’d
not seen before. Thanks to quick action by Governor Hochul, emergency
funding will be available to help homeowners and municipalities repair and
recover from these storms and get back on their feet. Leadership shows in
times like these, and I thank Governor Hochul for making this funding
available.”
Chautauqua County
Executive PJ Wendel said, “I am grateful to Governor Kathy
Hochul and the state for their support in our storm recovery efforts. The
emergency funds for Chautauqua County will help communities like
Forestville rebuild stronger and better than ever. After touring the
damaged areas, I am deeply moved by the resilience and determination of our
community coming together to help neighbors, friends and family immediately
following the storm.”
Oneida County
Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “The County
of Oneida and the City of Rome are grateful for this money allocated by
Governor Hochul to assist us in the demolition costs associated with the
devastating July 16 tornado. It is a good start, but we still have a long
way to go to. The County and the City will continue to work hand in hand to
bring relief to those who have had their lives turned upside down. We look
forward to further commitment from Governor Hochul and the State of New
York as we work our way past the immediate aftermath of the tornado and
move towards long-term recovery.”
Lewis County
Board of Legislators Chairman Larry Dolhof said, “Lewis
County is very fortunate to have New York State’s and Governor Kathy
Hochul’s advocacy and support for our homeowners in their time of need due
to the extreme flooding which they recently endured. Lewis County is very
thankful for all the help which has been provided by the State and the
Governor in this unprecedented catastrophic event, not only in this case to
our homeowners, but additionally, the support we have received for our
municipalities in our time of crisis.”
Warren County
Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Geraghty said, “The
thunderstorms and tornadoes that barreled across New York on July 16 caused
major damage across Warren County, and we are grateful that New York State
will be able to provide funding for repairs of the extensive damage
experienced by many of our residents, some of whom have been displaced from
their homes by these storms.”
Madison County
Chairman Jim Cunningham said, “I would like to express our
deepest gratitude for this generous funding to help those homeowners
impacted by the recent storms that caused unprecedented destruction in
Madison County. This much needed support will make a significant difference
in the lives of those affected by the tornado. Madison County is extremely
grateful for the Governor's swift emergency response and emergency funding
assistance. Your assistance is truly appreciated as we work to rebuild and
recover during this challenging time.”
Essex County
Manager Michael Mascarenas said, “Essex County is most pleased that
the Governor has elected to release funding for those that experienced
damage to personal property during the July storms. The people will be
relieved to know that help is on the way!”
Canastota Mayor
Rosanne Warner said, “The Village of Canastota was significantly
impacted by the July 16 tornado, particularly multiple low-income
neighborhoods. The Village is grateful that the Governor has dedicated
these funds to assist communities harmed by the storm, and we are hopeful
that Canastota residents who are in need are able to benefit.”
Rome Mayor
Jeffrey Lanigan said, “On behalf of the City of Rome, I extend our
heartfelt thanks to Governor Hochul for the $4 million in aid to assist
with demolition costs following the July 16, 2024
tornado. This funding is a crucial first step as we assess our needs. We
anticipate requiring additional support in the coming weeks and months and
look forward to working with the state to ensure Rome’s recovery continues
smoothly, while we await federal support from FEMA. We are also grateful
for the governor's approval to reallocate our $2 million Restore Grant,
shifting from rehabilitation to new construction, which will help to
revitalize the downtown area so severely damaged by the storm.”
On July 20, Governor Hochul requested a
federal emergency declaration to support response and recovery
operations following the storms that occurred on July 15 and 16. If
approved, the Federal Emergency Declaration would authorize FEMA to provide
reimbursement for debris removal operations, emergency protective measures
like search and rescue operations, and actions to eliminate or reduce
immediate threats of significant additional damage to critical
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water control facilities and
utilities.
The New York
State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of
Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the
Department of Transportation, Office of Disaster Recovery Programs, New
York State Police, Thruway Authority and National Guard continue to be
engaged in supporting local governments as they work to recover.
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