State still has money for flood repairs

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February 4, 2012

LOHR McKINSTRY Press-Republican The Press Republican Sat Feb 04, 2012, 02:39 PM EST

ELIZABETHTOWN — Essex County residents haven't been applying in large numbers for their share of the $21 million in state grants available for damage caused by last summer's flooding.

Yet it was among many areas of the state hard hit by last year's record-breaking storms and flooding from tropical storms Lee and Irene.

The governor's Business Recovery Grant Program was passed by the legislature late last year.

Businesses, farms, nonprofit groups and multiple-family dwellings are eligible for assistance, Essex County Industrial Development Agency Co-Director Carol Calabrese said.

"This money is available, and more people could take advantage of it. People had huge losses from these storms."

The $21 million is to be used to provide restoration of structures and for other storm-related costs that haven't or won't be reimbursed by other federal, state or local recovery programs.

The losses must have occurred on or after Aug. 28, 2011, for damages caused by Irene or on or after Sept. 7, 2011, for damages caused by Lee.

Program assistance is 50 percent of the loss, not to exceed $20,000.

Calabrese said preference is given to applicants who demonstrate the greatest need, based on available flood-damage data provided by federal agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We want people who were affected by the storms, who had damage, to apply for the program."

People can apply online at: www.esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms/FloodRecovery.html, or call the IDA at 873-9114 for more information.

Email Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com