Hawley Reminds Homeowners, Businesses to Apply For State Aid Before Sept. 29 Deadline

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging homeowners, businesses, non-profit organizations and any others who suffered physical damage as a result of Lake Ontario’s record flooding this past spring to apply for relief through the state by 5 p.m. on September 29. Relief is available through a $45 million state aid package ushered through the Legislature late this spring and sponsored by Hawley, which was signed into law by Gov. Cuomo on July 10.

“The first step in helping our community recover after this devastating flooding was to secure state funding, now the challenge is to get the word out and encourage residents, businesses, farms, local governments and anyone else affected to submit their application before next Friday’s deadline,” Hawley said.

Hawley was one of the first elected officials to tour the flooded areas along the shoreline firsthand, call on the governor to declare a state of emergency and write to Gov. Cuomo and President Trump requesting that they renegotiate Plan 2014, which regulates water level on the lake. He has also successfully fought for legislation to allow a property tax reduction for residents whose property was affected by flooding and/or erosion.

“The damage caused by flooding and erosion along the shoreline has been nothing short of tragic,” Hawley said. “I understand the struggles of my neighbors as they piece their lives back together and I want you to know my office is here to help in any way possible. Western New York is strong and gritty and I know we will come out of this stronger than ever.”

For detailed information on how to apply for aid, please click here or read the Lake Ontario Recovery Fund Guidelines for homeowners.

WAYS TO APPLY FOR RELIEF:

Homeowners:

Orleans County

Pathstone

http://www.thehousingcouncil.org/

FloodRelief@pathstone.org

585-546-3700

Cayuga, Monroe and Wayne Counties

Sheen Housing

https://sheenhousing.org/

sheen2@rochester.rr.com

585-657-4114

Homeowners may also contact the HCR Office of Community Renewal by contacting LakeOntario@nyshcr.org or calling 518-474-2057.

Small-business owners and other eligible property owners should contact Empire State Development with questions by emailing LakeOntario@esd.ny.gov, calling (518) 292-5348 or visiting the below Empire State Development office locations during regular business hours:

Empire State Development Finger Lakes Office

400 Andrews St, Suite 300

Rochester, NY 14604

Empire State Development Western NY Office

95 Perry Street, Suite 500

Buffalo, NY 14203