Workshops Set To Help Homeowners Impacted By Flooding Tap Into Recovery Funds

by Contributor | July 16, 2017 9:34 am

Homeowners impacted by recent, record flooding along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are encouraged to attend upcoming workshops on applying for funding that will help them recover from damage caused by high water.

The first workshop, which is being co-hosted by Senator Patty Ritchie, Assemblyman Will Barclay and Neighbors of Watertown will take place on July 19 at the Sandy Pond Sportsmen’s Association (3201 County Route 15, Pulaski) at 6:30 p.m.

Additional workshops will be held in Ogdensburg, Alexandria Bay and Sackets Harbor.

Recently, legislation establishing the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program, was signed into law by Governor Cuomo that provides $45 million in funding to homeowners, including owners of seasonal homes, businesses, farms, not-for-profits and municipalities that have sustained flood-related damage.

The aid builds on $22 million made available by New York State in May.

At workshops, homeowners will be able to have questions answered and receive assistance in completing applications for funding available to help them cover costs associated with repairs and restorations of structures, equipment and other types of physical damages.

“Making sure that homeowners have access to the resources they need to bounce back after this year’s crippling flooding is such an important part of the recovery process,” said Senator Ritchie. “That’s why my colleagues and I worked to ensure that support was made available to help those impacted cover the cost of the damage Mother Nature caused. I am encouraging anyone who is seeking help to attend an upcoming workshop and apply for funds as soon as possible.”

“Thousands of property owners have and continue to be affected by this flooding,” said Assemblyman Will Barclay. “Thankfully before the end of session, lawmakers provided some financial relief which is being made available through a grant process. This outreach event will hopefully provide some clear instructions on the different state grants available to homeowners.”

“Across our region, property owners are continuing to feel the effects of high water,” said Gary Beasley, CEO and Executive Director of Neighbors of Watertown. “We are hopeful that through these workshops, we can provide homeowners with the information they need to tap into resources from the state that will help them recover.”

Municipalities, small businesses, farms, homeowners associations, and not-for-profit organizations seeking funding to help cover the cost of damage caused by flooding are encouraged to visit Senator Ritchie’s website: www.ritchie.nysenate.gov for additional information on applying for grants.

In addition to offering funding, 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.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/workshops-set-to-help-homeowners-impacted-by-flooding-tap-into-recovery-funds/

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