New Yorkers who were impacted by last July's severe flooding in Ontario, Orange and other nearby counties can apply for low-interest loans to aid in recovery efforts, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.

Along with Ontario and Orange counties, residents in Monroe, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Steuben, Livingston, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester and Rockland are also now eligible for the U.S. Small Business Administration's low-interest loans.

"After devastating floods caused extreme damage across New York last July, I'm thankful for the federal assistance that will help relieve New Yorkers and small businesses that have suffered," Hochul said in a statement. "My administration is working directly with FEMA to ensure our local government partners receive the critical funding they need to recover and rebuild."

Loan applications are available online by clicking here.

In-person disaster loan outreach centers are also being established in Ontario and Orange counties to assist those seeking to apply for the SBA loans, beginning May 29.

Applicants can stop by the following locations with questions or to apply in-person:

  • Ontario County Safety Training Center: 2914 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424
    • Opening day and time: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11 a.m.
    • Daily hours of operation:
      • Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
      • Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
      • Saturday, June 1: Closed
      • Sunday: Closed
    • Closing day and time: Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
  • Village of Highland Falls Senior Center: 15 Drew Avenue, Highland Falls, NY 10928 
    • Opening day and time: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
    • Daily hours of operation:
      • Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
      • Sunday: Closed.
    • Closing day and time: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Those who may be eligible for SBA disaster loans include:

  • Homeowners: up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
  • Homeowners and renters: up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
  • Business owners: up to $2,000,000 for the replacement of real property, inventories, machinery, equipment, and other physical losses.
  • Businesses and non-profits: Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2,000,000 to provide necessary working capital until normal operations resume after a disaster.

Hochul said last year that over $100 million in damage had been estimated from the severe rain and flooding. A federal disaster declaration request was approved at the time by President Joe Biden.

Officials say more than eight inches of rain was reported in parts of the Mid-Hudson region and more than five inches of rain fell in Ontario County in the Finger Lakes region from July 9-10. In parts of the North Country from July 10-11, several inches of rain in a short period of time led to intense flooding, closed roadways and damaged infrastructure. Amtrak service between Albany and New York City was temporarily shut down due to the flooding. 

In Orange County, rescue teams found the body of a woman in her 30s who drowned after being swept away while trying to evacuate her home. 

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