Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced late Monday evening that he has passed bi-partisan legislation in the Assembly that establishes a $90 million grant program through the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) to assist homeowners, school districts and businesses affected by Lake Ontario’s devastating flooding this spring. Most of the grants are designated for storm-related repairs and restoration to structures and equipment.

“This may be the most effective and comprehensive response to Lake Ontario’s devastating flooding we have created yet,” Hawley said. “This is a monumental victory for the thousands of homeowners, school districts and businesses that have been displaced or had their homes destroyed due to this catastrophe. I am proud to have worked across the aisle, and I applaud my regional colleagues on the other side of the aisle for helping usher this much needed legislation through the house.”

The grant program is constructed as follows:

• $25 million to support grants up to $30,000 for owners of multiple dwellings

• $100,000 grants eligible for small businesses, farms, homeowners associations and not-for-profits

• $15 million to provide grants up to $60,000 to homeowners affected by flooding

• $25 million to support counties, towns, villages and special districts that sustained flood released damage, including roads and drinking water systems

• $15 million in flood mitigation and flood control grants programs for counties

The bill now awaits signature by the governor to become law.