Flood Recovery Grant Program Deadline March 16

Governor Cuomo Encourages Small Businesses, Farms, Multiple Dwellings and Not-For-Profits to Apply 

Governor Andrew Cuomo is encouraging eligible entities that sustained flood-related damage as a result of Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee to apply for assistance through the Business Flood Recovery Grant Program. 

The program was launched in January, and the funding application deadline is Friday, March 16. 

"These funds will go directly to small businesses and communities that are still recovering from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee," Governor Cuomo said."

I encourage farm and small business owners to submit their applications this week so they can receive the resources they need to rebuild."

The State Legislature passed Governor Cuomo's Flood Recovery Grant Program to ensure continued recovery efforts in regions of the state hit hardest by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in December 2011. 

The new law includes support for communities recovering from the storms through the Business Flood Recovery Grant Program, as well as the Flood Mitigation Grant Program, which is administered jointly by Empire State Development (ESD) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 

"This grant program is targeted to help our small businesses, farms, not-for-profits and owners of multiple dwellings get the critical assistance they need to clean-up and recover," stated Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. 

"Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, we are pulling out all the stops to help those affected by the floods start over. We urge those eligible to contact ESD for additional information and to apply for these available resources designated to help our communities get back to business." 

ESD is administering the $21 million Business Flood Recovery Grant Program, which will provide grants of up to $20,000 for eligible small businesses, farms, multiple dwellings and not-for-profits that sustained direct, physical flood-related damage in Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. 

Funding is geared to help offset the costs of storm-related repairs and restoration of structures not covered by other federal, state or local recovery programs. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate the greatest need. 

Applicants can access the application form, instructions and guidelines, as well as additional information about the program through the following link: www.esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms/FloodRecovery.html. 

Information can also be obtained by calling 518-292-5340 or by sending email to floodrecovery@esd.ny.gov. 

Through the Flood Mitigation Grant Program, $9 million is available to counties to be used to support flood mitigation or flood control projects in waterways impacted by the storms. 

The deadline to submit applications to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is April 11. More information on that program can be found on DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/79243.html

New York's State Route 42 Reopens

Service Restored After All Roads and Bridges Were Closed by Flood Damage

State Route 42 in Greene County has reopened to traffic. With the project's completion, all roads and bridges that were closed as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have now been reopened.

Six miles and two bridges of the roadway had been closed as a result of the severe damage caused by Hurricane Irene. 

The project was completed ahead of schedule and an estimated 10 percent under budget as a result of using the design-build method that Governor Cuomo implemented to expedite repair work following the storms.

"I am pleased to announce that with the reopening of Route 42 all roads and bridges that were closed by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee are now once again open to traffic," Governor Cuomo said. 

"I thank the men and women who worked so hard to repair the damage caused by these devastating storms."

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald said, "Department crews worked tirelessly to reopen roads and bridges blocked, damaged or destroyed by the floodwaters.

Route 42, which suffered the most extensive damage, was a top priority. To expedite the project we used the innovative design-build method so the road could be reopened as soon as possible for the residents of Greene and Ulster counties."

Following the late summer storms in 2011, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 19 to aid in the emergency response and expedite rebuilding efforts. The order authorized NYSDOT to use the design-build process, which allowed for the combining of design and construction services into single contracts and helped expedite repair work to vital infrastructure damaged by the storms. The Route 42 project would have taken an extra six months to complete under standard construction methods.

Final paving of the road, which requires warm temperatures, will be completed in the spring. 

As a result of the Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee events, more than 400 road segments and bridges were closed on the state highway system. When Hurricane Irene hit on August 28, nearly 200 roads and bridges on the state system were closed. Ten days after the event NYSDOT re-opened all but 13 bridges and 19 road segments.

Tropical Storm Lee closed 37 bridges and 181 road segments on the state system. Nine days after event, NYSDOT re-opened all but 8 bridges and 15 road segments. Route 42 is the last road segment to reopen after the storm.

Image source: Own work
Author: TwinsMetsFan
Permission: Public Domain

Department of State Grants Awarded to Help Storm Victims

13 Upstate New York Communities to Receive Money -- Another Round of Grants Announced

The Department of State has awarded grants to 13 upstate communities hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

"These grants will go directly to communities that were hit hard by the devastating floods last summer," Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

"This funding will help towns and villages rebuild and find ways to make sure they are better prepared for future flooding."

César Perales, New York Secretary of State, stated, "These grants will go toward helping 13 communities that applied to the state for funding to support specific rebuilding projects. The grants will provide much needed assistance that supplements the work of volunteer community leaders, planning professionals and others that are helping these towns and villages recover."

The money from this grant is from applications submitted on January 12, 2012. First round grant awards total $649,421 and the grant recipients are listed below. The second application deadline is March 1, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. 

Grants of up to $50,000 are available based on a competitive process. Applications must be submitted by affected municipalities or by counties or not-for-profits on their behalf. 

Community Recovery Grant Award Recipients

Village of Fleischmanns: The Village, in partnership with the not-for-profit MARK Project, will develop a strategy that focuses on projects and actions to rebuild and revitalize downtown businesses, homes, and infrastructure to ensure the Village's long-term growth and sustainability. Grant award: $49,588.00

Village of Margaretville: The Village's strategy will provide an analysis of flood vulnerability associated with the East Branch River and identify and assess the feasibility of potential projects and actions to mitigate and reduce the risk of future flood damage. This strategy will be coordinated with the Town of Middletown's grant that will focus on downtown revitalization. Grant award: $50,000

Village of Owego: The Village's strategy will produce a Village-wide blueprint for rebuilding and revitalization, as over 80 percent of the Village, including 550 homes, was affected by flooding. The strategy will identify projects and actions to restore the Village's housing, economic, infrastructure, and environmental assets while identifying flood mitigation measures to make the Village less vulnerable to future storms. Grant award: $50,000

Village of Sidney: The Village's strategy will focus on stabilizing and improving the Village's housing and business districts as over 400 homes and half of the Village's businesses sustained damage. Many of the residential properties have not recovered, which has reduced the Village's tax base. The strategy will identify immediate and long term projects and actions for recovery. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Blenheim: The Town will establish a comprehensive strategy for the North Blenheim hamlet to address immediate as well as long-term revitalization needs relative to housing, business, community facilities, infrastructure, and environmental assets. The Town's strategy will identify projects and actions to restore the hamlet in harmony with its rich natural resources and historic heritage. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Jay: The Town, in partnership with Essex County and the Town of Keene, will complete a strategy that addresses housing, infrastructure, and businesses recovery needs to reduce the risk of flooding while protecting the Town's rich natural environment and the hamlets of Jay and Upper Jay. The recovery strategy will identify specific projects and action items and be coordinated with the Ausable Watershed Management planning process. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Keene: The Town of Keene, in partnership with Essex County and the Town of Jay, will complete a strategy to restore river and stream assets by assessing the work done in the storm's immediate aftermath. This strategy will identify projects and actions to reduce the Town's vulnerability to future storms, including the hamlets of Keene and Keene Valley. The recovery strategy will be coordinated with the Ausable Watershed Management planning process. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Middletown: Middletown, in partnership with the Villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville, will develop a strategy that focuses on the recovery of the Main Street commercial and residential districts. The strategy will assess options and costs for relocating businesses and homes outside of flood-prone areas. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Nichols: The Town, in partnership with Tioga County, will complete a strategy that will assess relocating residential development outside of the floodplain, but within the Town, to maintain the Town's tax base. This strategy will also assess opportunities to improve roads and bridges, particularly along the Susquehanna River and Wappasening Creek, so they are less vulnerable to future storm damage. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Prattsville: The Town, in partnership with Greene County, will complete a strategy that builds on the initial planning work started with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Town's strategy will include a detailed feasibility analysis for priority housing, economic development, and community facility projects identified in the initial plan. For projects that are considered feasible, funding sources will be identified and secured to commence rebuilding and recovery. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Rotterdam: The Town's strategy will focus on the Rotterdam Junction hamlet and will identify projects and actions to mitigate flooding and restore housing. The strategy will assess the condition of the abandoned Old Erie Canal system and associated drainage patterns. This assessment will determine if improvements can be made to improve drainage during storm events so the hamlet's residences and business are protected from future storm events. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Tioga: The Town, in partnership with Tioga County, will complete a strategy that identifies projects and actions to mitigate flood damage by relocating residences outside of the floodplain but within Town boundaries to maintain the Town's tax base. The strategy will also include improvement projects to roads and bridges along the Susquehanna River, and in the hamlet of Tioga Center along Pipe Creek, to reduce vulnerability to future storms. Grant award: $50,000

Town of Union: The Town of Union, in partnership with the Village's Endicott and Johnson City, will develop a strategy for rebuilding in a manner that reduces vulnerability to future storm events. The strategy will identify projects and actions for the recovery of housing, infrastructure, economic, and environmental assets. Grant award: $49,833

The deadline for applications for the second round of grants is March 1, 2012 by 4:00 pm. To apply, communities should visit http://www.dos.ny.gov/communityprojects/rfa-11-cstl-10/index.html.

Image courtesy of http://www.picgifs.com

Cuomo Launches Drive to Benefit Families in Flood-Affected Communities

All New Yorkers Encouraged to Donate Toys, Household Appliances and Money

Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a statewide holiday giving drive to benefit families in flood affected communities.

The giving drive is part of the Governor's "NYGives" campaign, a statewide effort to encourage charitable giving and generosity throughout the holiday season. "NYGives" connects businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and those seeking to give with organizations that directly serve New Yorkers most in need.

The campaign will continue through the end of 2011.

The Governor invites businesses and individuals to donate toys and other supplies to be distributed among families in communities hard hit by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The Toy Industry Association has already pledged to donate 250 toys.

"This giving drive will bring some holiday cheer and household supplies to families and children in areas devastated by the late summer storms," Governor Cuomo said.

"This is what New Yorkers have always done best: stand together and look out for our neighbors. I invite all New Yorkers to support those in need this holiday season."

Carter Keithley, President of the Toy Industry Association, said, "The Toy Industry Association and its members are pleased to participate in Governor Cuomo's initiative. The toy industry is deeply committed to bringing joy and play to children in need, especially during the holiday season."

Cuomo notes that New Yorkers can help by bringing in unwrapped toys or supplies to Office of General Services (OGS) offices across the state, or mailing to OGS Mail Room, Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza P1, Dock J, Albany, New York 12242. OGS will arrange for these items to be distributed through charitable organizations.

Assistance can also be provided by donating to the United Way of New York State or other charitable organizations that benefit the flood regions, and by volunteering or bringing supplies to local food pantries. Pantry listings are provided at the following link:http://www.foodbankassocnys.org/find-food-bank.cfm)

The drive will also include a series of regional events hosted by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and members of the Governor's Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force. Next week, the Governor will visit communities in flood regions to deliver toys and other donated supplies.

For New Yorkers wishing to make a financial contribution to affected communities, donation of funds can be directed to charitable organizations that support flood relief efforts, such as the United Way of New York.

Contributions may be made by sending a check to the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund c/o United Way of New York State, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York 12110-2424 or by visiting www.uwnys.org and clicking on the link on the home page to make a secure donation via credit card.

All contributions to the United Way of New York will receive an acknowledgement. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to flood victims, and no administrative costs are taken out.

"The need remains great in communities hit hard by the flooding. We appreciate all donations, no matter the size, which we are using to help fund continued long term recovery efforts. We applaud Governor Cuomo's leadership and hard work to make sure those affected by these storms have all they need to rebuild," said Susan Hager, President of United Way of New York State.

"United Way thanks all New Yorkers who have contributed to the Fund for their generosity. We will continue to distribute proceeds to those in need for as long as that help is needed."

New York State Flood Relief Update

Watch live streaming video from newyorkstateofficeofthegovernor at livestream.com

Cuomo's Storm Task Force Holds Summit

Governor Urges FEMA to Help Communities Rebuild by Absorbing Recovery Costs

The Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force held a summit today to assess the state's ongoing recovery efforts in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

The meeting was held in the Town of Windham and included state agency commissioners, local elected officials, community representatives, and was chaired by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy.

To further help hard-hit communities rebuild and reduce the financial burden on affected towns and villages, Governor Cuomo today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano requesting that FEMA cover 90% of the recovery costs instead of the normal 75%.

The Governor today also announced that $1.5 million in grants to help small businesses has been awarded to nine municipalities in three counties in the first round of awards from the $3 million Main Street Fund to help local businesses recover.

"We must continue to do all we can to help communities hit hard by the Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Irene rebuild," Governor Cuomo said.

"The purpose of today's meeting is for members of the Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force to listen to local officials and continue to find ways for New York State to leverage resources and provide assistance as families, businesses, and towns recover."

FEMA grants for disaster recovery usually provide 75% funding with 25% local or state match required. Governor Cuomo's letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano requests FEMA to relax the local match requirement and provide 90% of the funding to communities hit hard by the storms.

At the Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force meeting in Windham, the following updates were discussed regarding the state's ongoing recovery efforts:

Main Street Fund

Up to $3 million has been made available through the New York State Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund to provide money to Main Street businesses in some of the hardest hit areas. This funding is available to be requested by counties on behalf of businesses and building owners to help revitalize local economies.

Eligible entities will be able to apply for assistance to, among other things; rehabilitate buildings for commercial and main street residential use, repair and replace permanent fixtures and equipment, as well as for inventory and working capital.

The first round of these awards has been determined with Greene, Schoharie, and Delaware counties each receiving $500,000. The initial funds will go to businesses and building owners in the following municipalities: Greene County: Prattsville, Hunter, Windham, and Catskill; Schoharie County: Middleburgh and Schoharie; Delaware County: Margaretville, Fleischmanns and Sidney.

Applications are still being accepted for subsequent rounds of grants in all affected counties, including the three with awards announced today, and awards are expected to be distributed in the near future.

Highway Repairs

As a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, more than 400 road segments and bridges were closed on the state highway system. Within ten days of each event, the State Department of Transportation had re-opened more than 80 percent of those closed roads and bridges and continued work on the infrastructure that suffered the most extensive damage and required significant reconstruction. As of November 28, only 3 highways and 3 bridges remain closed.

Assistance for New York Farms

The State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued contracts to 25 Conservation Districts for over 353 awarded farms ($4,519,817) using the $15 million Agricultural Community Recovery Fund. Construction and farmland restoration is underway on many if not all of the most devastated farms.

The program also has a farm operations component to aid farmers who lost feed in the flood and farmers who have continued operation of their farm stands, farmers' markets efforts and CSAs. For this program, 196 applications have been submitted, and grants will be distributed in the near future.

HELP Funds

The State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has been inspecting drinking water and wastewater systems and helping municipalities prepare a comprehensive list of damages. Funds are still available for municipalities that suffered damage to their water systems during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee through EFC's Hurricane Emergency Loan Program (HELP).

Expenses that are eligible for EFC assistance include repairs to pump stations, electrical equipment, treatment facilities and other critical equipment, temporary emergency services such as vacuum truck hauling, bypass pumping and disinfection and related engineering and other professional service.

As of now, 15 municipalities will receive a total of $14,072,000 in five-year, no-interest loans: Town of Bethlehem - $1,000,000, City of Binghamton - $1,000,000, Town of Black Brook - $1,000,000, Town of Cornwall - $1,000,000, Village of Ellenville - $1,000,000, Village of Endicott - $1,000,000, Village of Granville - $1,000,000, Town of Jay - $1,000,000, Village of Johnson City - $1,000,000, Town of Lloyd - $1,000,000, Village of Monticello - $690,000, Town of Owego - $1,000,000, Village of Owego - $500,000, Village of Schoharie - $1,000,000, and the Town of Windham - $882,000.

Insurance Claims

Following Irene and Lee, Governor Cuomo, Department of Financial Services Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky and other state officials traveled to the hardest hit areas of the state and heard many complaints from citizens and business owners that insurers were slow to respond in handling their claims, which they desperately needed to rebuild and recover.

In response, DFS today sent a letter to New York property insurance companies informing them that they are required to follow New York rules for fairness and promptness when servicing customers with federal flood insurance.

For most homeowners and businesses, insurance policies bought from the National Flood Insurance Program are the only protection against flood damage.

The Superintendent's letter affirms that when New York insurers are handling claims under federal flood insurance, the insurers are still subject to state regulation requiring prompt and fair claims handling.

New York Insurance Regulation 64 sets reasonable standards for insurers to respond to policyholders of any type of insurance sold in the state. For example, it sets time frames that require insurers to: respond to communications from policy holders within 15 business days; commence an investigation within 15 business days of receiving a notice of claim from an insured; notify the insured in writing of the insurer's acceptance or rejection of a claim within 15 business days; notify the insured that more time is needed and the reason for the additional time; and notify the insured in writing of the specific reason for any denial of any part of a claim.

In addition, Regulation 64 has fairness rules, such as prohibiting an insurer from not attempting in good faith to reach prompt, fair and equitable settlements of claims or from forcing policyholders to sue by offering very low settlements.

Funds for Repairing or Replacing Furnaces

On November 16, Governor Cuomo announced that $5 million in funding has been made available to help repair and replace furnaces damaged as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Funding is still available for this program, and to apply, homeowners should directly contact the Weatherization Assistance provider that serves their area. A list of providers can be found at: http://nysdhcr.gov/Apps/profiles/profile_WAPcnty.asp

Households cannot have liquid resources exceeding $5,000 and must meet certain income eligibility guidelines, which can be found athttp://nysdhcr.gov/Programs/WeatherizationAssistance/.

For more information about furnace repairs or replacement call 1-866-ASK-DHCR.

Department of State's Long-Term Community Recovery Program

The Long Term Community Recovery Program will help towns and villages with technical expertise as they develop recovery strategies and design rebuilding projects to reestablish vibrant communities that are less vulnerable to future flooding. The program will provide financial assistance, up to $50,000 per grant, on a competitive basis.

The grants will provide money to hire technical experts, consultants, and fund comprehensive strategic planning for the rebuilding of housing, economic, infrastructure and environmental projects. Applications may be submitted by affected municipalities or by counties or not-for-profits on their behalf.

The total amount of grant funds presently available for this program is $789,896. The round 1 application deadline is January 12, 2012 at 4:00 p.m., and the round 2 deadline is March 1, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

FEMA Assistance

Approximately 59,331 people have registered for Individual Assistance and more than $145 million has been disbursed through the Individual and Households Program / Other Needs Assistance. The Individual Assistance registration deadline is December 15, 2011.

The Small Business Administration has approved 1,567 applications totaling $69.5 million for damages from Hurricane Irene and 686 applications for $32.8 million for damages from Tropical Storm Lee.

Public Assistance projects 4,315 Sub-Grant Applications (SGAs) for Hurricane Irene and 1,278 SGAs for Tropical Storm Lee. Of these, 95 SGAs, estimated at $3,135,850, are have been filed for Hurricane Irene; and 24 SGAs, estimated at $583,578, have been filed for Tropical Storm Lee.

State agencies, including the Department of State's Codes Division, State Office of Emergency Management (SOEM), and the Department of Environmental Conservation, have been working with FEMA to ensure that any codes related issues, including placement of temporary housing units in floodplains, can be addressed promptly and safely.

FEMA requires that 200 AMP utility service be available for temporary housing units and SOEM has been working with the State Public Service Commission to ensure that utility companies are responsive to FEMA's needs to get service upgraded where it is needed.

SOEM and DOT have worked to expedite the permits for companies hauling the temporary housing units on state roads and to grant blanket waivers to enable companies to work without having to request permits repeatedly.

Erie Canal to Open for Two Weeks

(Click to enlarge image.)

Temporary Opening Will Allow Stranded Boats to Move

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that the Erie Canal will reopen to commercial and recreational traffic for a two-week navigation period that begins Thanksgiving Day. The canal has been closed in the Mohawk Valley since major flooding damaged several canal structures late last month.

The canal is projected to re-open on Nov. 24 and close on Dec. 8 to allow transient marine traffic to reach their destinations this season. Two large tour boats are among the many vessels that have been stranded on the Great Lakes since Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee devastated parts of the state. Those boats will now be able to complete their journeys.

“This is welcome news to boaters and commercial vessels with no other reasonable alternative to returning to their home ports,” said Cuomo.

“We are pleased to be able to continue the important storm recovery efforts that will rebuild New York and restore our transportation infrastructure.”

In the wake of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, catastrophic flooding overwhelmed locks on the Erie Canal between Fort Plain and Schenectady, causing widespread damage. Steel uprights which hold the dam gates in place were twisted and displaced and lock and power houses were swept away in the flooding.

Machinery used to operate the locks and dams were inundated with flood water and at three locations the flood waters carved new channels for the Mohawk River around the lock and dam structures.

Over the next two months, crews will conduct extensive repair efforts, including fixing damaged truss structures, adding new hardware, restoration of electricity and other utilities, debris removal, installation of safety features, and the reinstallation of temporary modular lock houses and other machinery. The canal will also be dredged where new refill deposited during the flooding has blocked the river.

Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, "The 2011 season is the 187th year of continuous inland navigation in New York, and we are pleased to be able to give our customers the ability to complete their planned itineraries."

The Canal Corporation’s Erie Canal reconstruction plans are based on current damage assessments and the required repairs are part of an aggressive construction schedule that is weather dependent.

As of today, September 26, the Erie Canal remains closed between Locks 8 in Schenectady and Lock 17 in Little Falls. The Canal is open from Lock 2 in Waterford through Lock 7 in Niskayuna. All areas west of Lock 17 in Little Falls are operating.

Typically the navigation season of the New York canal system is May 1 through November 15. To accommodate vessels stranded because of the damage to the Erie Canal, Governor Cuomo has requested that Canada extend the season for the Chambly Canal which connects Canada to Lake Champlain. Normally the Chambly Canal season would end October 10.

Additional information concerning navigation on New York State waterways can be found at the web site www.canals.ny.gov or by calling 1-800-4CANAL4

Photo source: The Clifton Park Collection

Author: Clifton Park Collection

Permission: Public Domain

Disaster Food Stamps Available for Storm Victims

Assistance for Households Hardest-Hit by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that disaster food stamp benefits are available to households in 15 counties hard-hit by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

The Disaster Food Stamp Benefits Program for residents in counties affected by Hurricane Irene is available starting today. Counties covered by the program include Albany, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Montgomery, Orange, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, and Westchester. These counties will accept Disaster Food Stamp benefit applications for at least seven days beginning today.

The Disaster Food Stamp Benefits Program for residents in counties affected by Tropical Storm Lee is available starting Friday, September 23, in Broome, Delaware, Schenectady and Tioga counties, and on Monday, September 26, in Chenango and Otsego counties.

"The devastation caused by these storms has displaced many families from their homes and jobs, leaving them without food or the means to purchase food," said Cuomo.

"Families and individuals who normally would not seek food stamp benefits may find themselves in need of this temporary help. This emergency program will ensure that those who were most severely impacted by the storm will be able to provide for their families’ nutritional needs as they continue to recover from this tragedy."

The federal government oversees the Food Stamp Program, which is operated in New York State by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).

OTDA Executive Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Berlin said, "Because of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee even more New Yorkers are struggling to provide meals for their families. This Disaster Food Stamp Program will help lift some of the burden of those who are eligible. It is important that families act quickly to seek this help, as it is only available for a limited time. By contacting their local department of social services, people can find the location nearest them where they can apply."

Disaster food stamp benefits can be made available when the number of people applying for food stamp benefits increases rapidly and significantly as a result of an emergency or disaster. Under the Disaster Food Stamp Benefits Program, standard eligibility criteria are relaxed so that those who may not normally qualify for food stamps can receive help to purchase food. Verification rules are also eased, reducing administrative burdens as both local agencies and applicants may not have access to records normally used for verification in the aftermath of a disaster.

To qualify for disaster food stamp benefits, applicants: Must have lived in one of the designated counties at the time of the disaster. (Applicants may be eligible if they are temporarily living outside of the disaster area but within the State at the time of the disaster); must plan on purchasing food during the month of September; must have experienced at least one of the following: loss of food or food stamp benefits; damage to, or the destruction of, the household’s home or self-employment business; disaster-related expenses not expected to be reimbursed during the month of September (e.g. home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses, etc.); loss or inaccessibility of income including reduction or termination of income, or a delay in receipt of income for half a month; inaccessible liquid resources (e.g. banks are closed due to the disaster).

To find out where to apply for disaster food stamp benefits, call 1-800-342-3009, or contact your local department of social services. A list of county social services districts can be found at: http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp.

Image courtesy of http://www.hasslefreeclipart.com.

125 NY Farmers to Receive $2.4 Million in Aid

Aid Will Assist with Restoration of Flood-Damaged Farmland

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced $2.4 million from the state's Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund (ACRF) will be distributed to 125 farms to help New York's agricultural communities recover from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Governor Cuomo made the announcement at the John Glebocki Farm in Goshen, New York, which sustained major damage from the past flooding.

The governor also announced that certain regulations will be temporarily suspended to allow additional financial assistance for the rebuilding of rural communities to be approved and distributed as quickly as possible.

"Although many New York farms were destroyed during the recent storms, we are moving quickly to distribute recovery funds so the rebuilding process can begin as soon as possible," Governor Cuomo said.

"Before the flooding from Tropical Storm Lee began, we had already lost nearly 140,000 acres of farmland from Hurricane Irene. I have visited hard-hit farming areas together with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack and N.Y. Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Aubertine and we have seen the destruction firsthand. This aid will provide much-needed assistance to agricultural communities so farmers can begin to rebuild."

Darrel Aubertine, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, said, "The recent storms did tremendous damage to some of our best farmland. Governor Cuomo created the Agriculture and Community Recovery Fund to speed the rebuilding process in our farming sector. This aid will allow work to begin in short-order to help our farmers recover from this catastrophe."

The ACRF was announced by Cuomo on September 3rd and will provide at least $15 million to rebuild communities and the agricultural industry in hard-hit areas. The funds are from the ACRF Conservation Program, which is designed to help farms recover, stabilize soils and stream banks, restore water control structures, and improve and protect water quality.

Today's distribution of aid includes:

Albany County Soil & Water District – $30,250
Projects: Replacement of alternative water supply and reconstruction of an access road, fencing, and gravel deposition removal.

Broome County Soil & Water District - $20,000
Projects: Fence repair, stream bank stabilization, replacement of alternative water supply, and debris removal from cropland.

Chenango County Soil & Water District - $37,564
Projects: Debris removal and streambank stabilization.

Clinton County Soil & Water District – $11,700
Projects: Replace failed culverts and access road repair.

Columbia County Soil & Water District – $44,000
Projects: Access road, stream crossing, fencing repair, debris removal from crop fields, and stream bank stabilization.

Delaware County Soil & Water District - $101,214
Projects: Debris removal, milk house waste treatment system replacement, fencing, access road replacement and repair, stream bank stabilization.

Dutchess County Soil & Water District – $17,403
Projects: Debris removal from pastures, access road repair, fence repair, downed tree removal, and vegetative buffer planting.

Greene County Soil & Water District - $174,650
Projects: Debris removal, fence repair, and grassed waterway repair.

Essex County Soil & Water District – $45,460
Projects: Stream channel restoration, debris removal, fence repair, and access road and culvert repair.

Montgomery County Soil & Water District – $153,250
Projects: Gravel and debris removal from cropland, stream bank stabilization, and vegetative buffer plantings.

Oneida County Soil & Water District – $18,995
Projects: Field restoration, diversion ditch, and obstruction removal

Orange County Soil & Water District - $319,620
Projects: Access road repair and replacement, crop field restoration, debris removal, animal laneway repair, water control structure repair, water supply, and fencing repair.

Otsego County Soil & Water District – $167,100
Projects: Barnyard water management, stream bank stabilization, debris removal, and critical area seeding.

Rensselaer County Soil & Water District – $184,060
Projects: Fence replacement and repair, stream bank stabilization, debris removal, and access road repair.

Saratoga County Soil & Water District – $30,000
Projects: Replace main access road and large culvert crossing.

Schenectady County Soil & Water District - $26,000
Projects: Debris removal, erosion control practices, stream crossing repair, and streambank stabilization.

Schoharie County Soil & Water District – $556,090
Projects: Debris removal, including gravel piles, whole trees, buildings, and fuel and propane tanks in crop fields; milk house waste treatment system replacement; fencing; access road replacement and repair stream bank stabilization; cover cropping; field repair; and water control structure repair.

Suffolk County Soil & Water District – $25,000
Project: Repair to water control structures to keep Hallock’s Bay from flooding farm fields.

Sullivan County Soil & Water District - $3,300
Projects: Debris removal and streambank stabilization.

Tioga County Soil & Water District - $219,920
Projects: Debris and obstruction removal, vegetative buffer repair, streambank stabilization, manure storage evaluation, pump replacement, and fence repair.

Ulster County Soil & Water District – $190,252
Projects: Stream crossing for equipment repair, critical area seeding, irrigation system repair, fencing, orchard repair, debris removal, access road repair, and cover cropping.

Washington County Soil & Water District – $60,415
Projects: Streambank stabilization, crop field restoration, alternative water supply repair, debris removal, and riparian buffer replacement.

Expedited Financial Assistance to Farms

The additional steps announced by Governor Cuomo today will temporarily remove a number of bureaucratic barriers that would impede the delivery of much-needed financial assistance to New York farming communities.

The measures will: Allow the Department of Agriculture and Markets to expedite the authorization process for emergency contracts to Soil and Water Conservation Districts; allow for expedited allocation of appropriations from the Upstate Agricultural Economic Development Fund to hard-hit areas; provide measures to ensure the expedited approval of contracts or purchases directed toward assisting farming areas affected by Hurricane Irene, avoiding the time-consuming standard procurement process; and waive the waiting period to allow expedited delivery of Community Development Block Grant funds

About the ACRF Conservation Program

The Conservation Program is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets in consultation with the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. Applications for funding will be accepted from County Soil and Water Conservation Districts within the eligible counties. Eligible counties are those that received a disaster designation for Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

The Soil and Water Districts will determine land eligibility based on site inspections of damage. For land to be eligible, the Tropical Storms must have created a new conservation problem that, if left untreated, would: degrade the state’s natural resources; impact public drinking water supplies; present ongoing pollution risks to surface and groundwater; pose threats to production facilities; impair farm safety; affect the land’s productive capacity; or present challenges to farm production that would be too costly to implement without state assistance.

Eligible emergency conservation practices include, but are not limited to: debris removal; restoring fences and conservation structures; crop removal; land shaping and grading; and installation of vegetative practice, including cover crop. Eligible costs include: architectural and/or engineering services; consultant services; construction; and other direct expenses related to implementation.

Project sponsors within eligible counties may submit applications on a weekly basis. Applications will be taken until all available funds are awarded.

Project selection will be based on identified need and degree of loss and with consideration of the available funding for eligible counties. Recovery funds requested will be reviewed and approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. The Commissioner may consult with the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, the agency that oversees policy and programs for New York’s 58 County Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

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Household Applicance Grants Available for Storm Victims

Cuomo Announces $8 Million Program Targeted to Assist Those Impacted by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

An $8 million appliance grant program has been launched for those who sustained property damage as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The program will help New Yorkers cover the costs of replacing vital household appliances, such as refrigerators, boilers washing machines and furnaces, damaged by the recent flooding.

Grants will be a fixed amount for different appliances and could cover up to 100 percent of the costs of a purchase. If the cost of the appliance exceeds the cap, the program will pay a portion of the total costs up to the cap.

"Our top priority is making sure those affected by these storms have the help they need to recover," Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

"This program will cover the costs for critical household appliances and help New Yorkers who suffered property damage to save money as they rebuild after the storms."

The program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Grants will be available for the most critical energy efficient equipment and appliances.

Residents statewide in affected areas will be eligible and must affirm that they have been impacted by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee and that these products are not covered by insurance or FEMA assistance. For residents affected by Hurricane Irene, grants on purchases of approved appliances and equipment will be retroactive to Aug. 29, 2011, and for residents affected by Tropical Storm Lee, grants will be retroactive to Sept. 9, 2011.

Grants will be for ENERGY STAR© qualified appliances and equipment where applicable. In product categories for which there are no ENERGY STAR criteria, the higher efficiency units will be eligible for a rebate.

A list of eligible equipment and appliances and rebate levels is as follows:

Eligible Equipment & Appliances	Rebate
Refrigerators (ENERGY STAR)	$350
Clothes Washers (ENERGY STAR)	$250
Clothes Dryers w/Moisture Sensor (higher efficiency)	$250
Dehumidifiers (ENERGY STAR)	$100
Furnace (ENERGY STAR)	$2,000
Boiler (ENERGY STAR)	$2,500
Hot Water Heater Tanks (electric- higher efficiency; gas- ENERGY STAR)	$400

Purchases of appliances and equipment, with the exception of dehumidifiers, must be for replacement purposes only and purchases covered by insurance or FEMA are not eligible. Audits to verify insurance claims and/or FEMA assistance may be conducted.

All grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for completed applications, which will be available beginning Monday, September 19 at www.NYSApplianceRebates.com or by calling 1-877-NY-SMART (877-697-6278). The grant program will continue until funding runs out.

Senator Tom Libous said, "We need to help the flood victims in our community get back on their feet. Part of that is helping replace equipment that's essential to their home and businesses. This program is another step toward easing the burden of this disaster and rebuilding our community."

"As we move from the cleanup efforts to the rebuilding phase after the recent storm destruction, this rebate program will allow households to afford the costs of replacing damaged appliances. Governor Cuomo has repeatedly said that the state will do all it can to help those affected by Irene recover, and I commend him for establishing this program that will help families return to normal living after this storm," stated Senator Betty Little.

Governor Cuomo Requests Federal Waivers

Waivers Would Allow Homeowners, Businesses and Farmers to be Eligible for Additional Coverage and Disaster Assistance Programs

Governor Andrew Cuomo sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate requesting waivers to allow homeowners, businesses and farmers to retroactively enroll in federal flood insurance and crop insurance programs.

If granted, the waivers would allow New York farmers to receive financial assistance to support rehabilitation and recovery efforts in Hurricane Irene's aftermath, and would permit homeowners and small businesses to access the National Flood Insurance Program. Similar requests were made by federal, state, and local officials in the wake of other major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina.

Preliminary estimates indicate crop and agricultural damage totals in the tens of millions, with over 140,000 acres of farm land lost. The vast majority of New York farmers are not eligible for most federal disaster aid under USDA programs.

USDA requires that farmers be enrolled in crop insurance programs in order to receive farm disaster aid. However, enrollment in these programs makes little sense for New York farmers who grow specialty crops or plant on New York’s diverse landscapes.

As a result, New York farmers are locked out of most federal farm disaster aid. The waiver would permit farmers to receive up to $100,000 in federal aid, depending on the program, to rebuild their farms.

Homeowners and small businesses have also been hit hard. Due to the unexpected nature of the floods in upstate New York, which have been described by some experts as a "once in 500 year event," most residences and businesses are without flood insurance.

A retroactive enrollment and payment of premiums into the National Flood Insurance Program would provide support to homeowners and small businesses seeking to rebuild.

The letter is below:

Dear Secretary Vilsack and Administrator Fugate:

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your visits to New York to view the devastating damage to our communities, businesses, homes, farms and agricultural lands from Hurricane Irene. The neighborhoods, downtowns, and farms that make up these impacted regions are the lifeblood of these rural communities and critical to the long term viability of upstate New York’s economy.

Given the location and rarity of such a severe flood event, many homeowners and business owners are not enrolled in federal flood insurance and thus may not be able to make claims on the damage done to their homes. Enabling New Yorkers in impacted areas to retroactively enroll in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program would provide a much needed lifeline to devastated communities at nominal cost to the federal government, and I ask you to take action to make that possible.

In addition, the USDA- Farm Service Agency estimates to date that approximately 5000 farms in New York incurred damage during the aftermath of Irene. The majority of the FSA Disaster Assistance Programs require the producer to be enrolled in crop insurance or the non-insured crop disaster assistance program (NAP) in order to be eligible for disaster relief. In New York State, only a small percentage of the state’s 35,250 eligible farms are insured. For New York, crop insurance is not efficient for our producers as the program has been designed for large mid-west flatland operations and not geared towards the smaller, diverse specialty crop operations of New York. Given the statewide enrollment rate, it is estimated that only a handful of those farms that incurred damage carried crop insurance or were enrolled in NAP.

Given the unique nature of New York’s agriculture and incompatibility of the crop insurance requirement, I request a waiver that will allow producers to retroactively enroll in crop insurance and NAP in order to be eligible for all disaster assistance programs. A waiver of the requirement for farmers to have previously obtained crop insurance in order to be eligible for federal disaster aid is an appropriate step given the unique circumstances of this event and the critical impact that losing these farms would have on the upstate New York communities that you visited.

I am committed to working with you in the future to make the permanent adjustments necessary in the federal flood insurance program and the USDA disaster assistance program so as to accommodate the needs of all types and sizes of agricultural operations.

I appreciate your consideration of this matter and look forward to hearing your response. Once again, thank you for taking the time to visit New York and view first-hand the tragedy of Hurricane Irene.

Sincerely,


ANDREW M. CUOMO

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Addabbo Offers Advice on Homeowner's Insurance

Senator Suggests What to Do if You Lose Coverage Due to Where You Live

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, more Atlantic tropical storms threatening the East Coast and recent record rains flooding the southern part of his district, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) wants his residents to know there are some simple things they can do after getting a non-renewal notice for homeowners coverage.

In recent months, some constituents, mainly from Howard Beach, informed Senator Addabbo that many major insurance companies were dropping their homeowners policies, even though they had never filed a claim.

In making a determination whether or not to renew, insurance underwriters have taken into consideration different factors, such as proximity to water; the claims filing history for the area, the frequency of devastating storms in recent years, the spike in construction costs, the financial toll widespread destruction takes on insurers and changes in federal regulations that now require flood coverage to be provided through FEMA.

FEMA is the federal response to devastating storm damage that has been occurring with increasing frequency for the past several years following Hurricane Katrina. If the region endures a very active hurricane season, many New Yorkers will find out the hard way that they are underinsured. What can they do?

Senator Addabbo’s staff researched some general guidelines to homeowners facing non-renewal of coverage. They suggest following:

Shop around, compare one company’s coverage and payment plans with others. Contact local agents, brokers, your friends and neighbors to find out about the local insurance marketplace and terms.

Research how the C-MAP Plan (Coastal Market Assistance Program) can help you obtain coverage. There is usually a website and phone number on how to apply for C-MAP printed on the termination of coverage notice received from your insurer: Complete and submit application online at http://www.nypiua.com, scroll down to the “Coastal Market Assistance Program” icon. Click and select “C-MAP Application.” Or if you need a paper copy of the application, call 212-208-9898.

C-MAP is a voluntary network of insurers and insurance producers that assist New York homeowners in coastal areas with insurance coverage. C-MAP is administered by New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (NYPIUA). The program is for owner-occupied, one-to-four family dwellings, apartment units, or condominium units located in the NYC boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.

For Long Island’s south shore and areas along the south shore of Queens, the dwelling must be located within one mile from the coast. The term “shore” refers only to salt-water ocean, sound, bay or inlet, with distance measured from normal high-tide mark.

Before applying to C-MAP, a homeowner must have received a non-renewal, a cancellation, or conditional non-renewal from their existing insurer for a reason other than non-payment of premium. Contact NYPIUA for more information about C-MAP at 212-208-9700 or log on to: http://nypiua.com/cmap.html.

If you think you’ve been treated unfairly after your coverage has been dropped and while you’re researching other insurers, contact the New York State Insurance Department at http://www.ins.state.ny.us to file a complaint reporting your non-renewal by your insurer with the New York State Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Bureau. They will examine the facts of the non-renewal to see if your former insurance carrier is complying with state law—free.

Go online to file your written complaint as an online e-Form via a link and to receive immediate acknowledgement from them at http://www.ins.state.ny.us/complhow.htm. Or, you can call the Bureau’s hotline 1-800-342-3736. Be sure to include your name, current insurer’s name (carrier, broker, agent, or adjuster), policy number and effective date of non-renewal.

In New York City, contact the Consumer Services Bureau, NYS Insurance Department, 25 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004-2319. Call 212-480-6400 to talk to an Agency Services Representative for advice on your inquiry or complaint, Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For more information, you may also call the Public Affairs, Office of the NYS Superintendent of Insurance, James J. Wrynn, at 212-480-5262.

Addabbo offers more information his staff researched in Hurricane Irene’s aftermath: “While standard homeowners insurance generally covers damage from wind, it does not protect you in the event of flooding. If you want additional protection from flood damage, consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy under the National Flood Insurance Plan/FEMA.”

FEMA provides maximum limits of $250,000 for the home and $100,000 for the contents of a home. To learn more, go to http://www.floodsmart.gov, or call 1-888-379-9531.

Senator Addabbo wants residents to be aware that there is a 30-day waiting period for the coverage to become effective, therefore the flood insurance request should be made before the notice of an impending storm.

Addabbo also mentioned that the majority of insurance policies for properties in coastal areas have a special hurricane deductible, ranging from 2% to 5% of the home’s insured value.

Homeowners who do not have hurricane or flood insurance could qualify for federally subsidized loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration if their property is located in an area that has been declared by the federal government as a disaster.

“A homeowner who is not sure about their insurance coverage status, yet has suffered a loss after a disaster like Irene, should apply to FEMA to see if they qualify for such a grant or loan,” added the Senator. FEMA can be contacted at 1-800-621-3362.

President Obama and FEMA have just granted New York a federal disaster declaration including Queens County, and Addabbo has also been working on obtaining additional compensation from FEMA for the heavily damaged areas of the district.

Be aware that the National Weather Service’s Atlantic region forecast for 2011 isn’t good. There is a 65% chance of an above-normal season that could have 10 hurricanes.

Consumers should contact their insurance company, agent or broker to get answers to specific questions about their policies. Consumers who need further help should feel free to contact the New York State Insurance Department’s Consumer Services bureau at 1-800-342-3736, which operates from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Insurance Department’s online “Homeowner’s Resource Center” offers detailed information and a number of useful tools consumers may find helpful. It can be found at the following location on the Insurance Department’s website: http://www.ins.state.ny.us/hmonindx.htm.

“When I heard from some of my people that their homeowners policies suddenly were dropped even though they never had a claim, I had to try to help them find some answers. Owning a home is a huge investment, and my people need to recover the peace of mind that comes from preparing for a ‘worst case scenario’ loss with an insurance plan, especially during this potentially busy hurricane season,” Addabbo concluded.

Image courtesy of http://www.governor.ny.gov/.