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Federal Assistance Available for Homeowners and Businesses Impacted by 2023 Flood Event in Ontario County and Neighboring Counties
Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and business owners in Ontario County and neighboring counties impacted by last year’s early July flood event. Residents and businesses can now apply for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans to aid in recovery from the severe weather event that caused significant damage to homes and businesses on July 9-10, 2023.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude for the federal assistance, stating, “After devastating floods caused extreme damage across New York last July, I’m thankful for the federal assistance that will help relieve New Yorkers and small businesses that have suffered.” The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and local government partners conducted a thorough assessment of the damages, leading to Governor Hochul’s request to FEMA for Individual Assistance. Although FEMA denied the request earlier this year, the SBA loans are now available to those seeking recovery.
Homeowners, residents, and businesses in Ontario County and contiguous counties including Monroe, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Steuben, and Livingston are eligible for SBA loans. These loans can provide financial assistance for repairing primary residences, replacing personal property, and replacing real property, inventories, machinery, equipment, and other physical losses for businesses.
To assist applicants in-person, Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) will be opened in Ontario and Orange counties. Customer Support Representatives will be available to help with applications and answer questions about the SBA disaster loan program. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Nick Langworthy have both expressed support for the assistance, encouraging eligible residents, nonprofits, and businesses to apply for the loans.
New Yorkers can find additional information, download applications, and apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] Finger Lakes News Radio also offers daily news updates and top stories on radio stations WAUB, WGVA, and WFLR.
