State flood relief: ‘Together, we will rebuild’

YATES COUNTY—Yates county property and business owners will be able to get disaster funding from the state. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday, May 23 a new round of immediate state disaster recovery assistance to help residents and business owners who incurred damage from last week’s flash flooding that severely damaged nearly 150 homes in Yates County in the villages of Branchport, Penn Yan and Dresden, along with the towns of Jerusalem and Italy.
“The flood damage to homes is significant and the clean-up has to begin quickly before mold and other issues become compounded and catastrophic,” Yates County Legislative Chairman Tim Dennis said. “I thank the governor for supporting our county in its distress and forging this recovery initiative. Together, we will rebuild.”
“After last week’s devastating flash floods in the Finger Lakes, we have seen communities stand together and work hand-in-hand to help their fellow neighbors start to recover,” Cuomo said. “We have seen time and again the serious damage floods cause to homes and businesses. We are making this funding and assistance available to help home and small business owners get back on their feet and start the process of rebuilding.”
Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Yates County Tuesday, May 14, 2014, which was in effect until Wednesday, May 28. Up to $10,000 in disaster assistance is available for affected homeowners and renters struggling to recover. As much as $25,000 in recovery funds will also be available for small businesses. This new state disaster program provides emergency disaster funds where it’s needed most, as supplemental assistance to start recovery for victims who are uninsured or under-insured and fills gaps in recovery assistance.
Impacted Yates County homeowners and renters will be able to apply directly to the state for assistance. Eligibility will be based on the applicants providing confirmation their damage is a direct result of the Finger Lakes’ flooding from May, and is for damages not already covered by existing insurance policies. Affected homeowners, renters and small business owners who qualify must submit an application within 15 days of the announcement of the program.
Homeowners, for whom the flood impacted property is a primary residence, can apply for assistance for the following eligible recovery costs: repair and/or replacement of damaged foundations, roofs, windows, doors, siding, flooring, drywall, insulation, bathrooms, garages, and electrical systems; replacement of kitchen cabinets, well/septic systems, non-luxury residential appliances; and remediation of environmental hazards. Renters’ eligible costs include replacement of damaged clothing, small sofas, tables, buffets, credenzas, kitchen table and chairs, beds and dressers, desk, computers, and home office equipment.
Eligible applicants will receive either immediate assistance of $100 for residents and $500 for small businesses, or full assistance of $10,000 for residents and $25,000 for small businesses.
For additional information on the Yates County Disaster Assistance Recovery Program, please visit: http://www.nyshcr.org/programs/nys-flood/.