SC New York News

Several state lawmakers from the Southern Tier have called on Governor Kathy Hochul to enhance New York's relief efforts following Tropical Storm Debby. In letters sent earlier this week, State Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, and Assemblyman Joe Giglio urged the governor to ensure that the state covers local disaster-related costs, extend the application deadline for state aid, eliminate income thresholds for primary residences to qualify for aid, and allow business owners to apply for state assistance.

On September 16, Governor Hochul announced that applications are available for income-eligible homeowners affected by severe storms and flooding in July and August 2024. The program is administered by Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and offers up to $50,000 for emergency home repairs. Applications will be accepted until October 7, 2024.

The grant program includes Allegany and Steuben counties. According to Hochul’s announcement, funds are available for eligible homeowners whose flood or insurance coverage is insufficient to make their homes safe and habitable. Details about the “Resilient and Ready Home Repair Program” can be found at https://hcr.ny.gov/resilient-and-ready-home-repair-programs.

Earlier this week, Hochul also announced that her request for a Major Disaster Declaration had been approved. This declaration provides federal financial assistance for public infrastructure reconstruction in several counties impacted by Tropical Storm Debby.

While welcoming state and federal assistance, the lawmakers are urging Hochul to strengthen recovery efforts by fully assuming local disaster-related costs, eliminating income thresholds for primary residences, including businesses in aid programs, and extending the application deadline for emergency repair grants until November 7th.

In their letter to Governor Hochul, O’Mara, Palmesano, Byrnes, and Giglio wrote: “We strongly believe New York State needs to follow this model of comprehensive state direct assistance to most effectively address the forthcoming recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby.”

The lawmakers emphasized that residents need more time to gather required information due to the rural nature of affected communities. They argue that extending the deadline is necessary as three weeks is not sufficient.

Additionally, in a separate letter this week, they called on Governor Hochul to update the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permitting process. They argue that current regulations hinder local authorities' ability to maintain streams and streambanks adequately.

O’Mara, Palmesano, Byrnes, and Giglio wrote: “During your recent tour of the region... you heard about the importance of this action firsthand... A process that authorizes their ability...to protect their communities from future flash flooding events like this one is desperately needed.”