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Low-Interest Loans Available for Residents and Businesses Impacted by July 2023 Flooding

New York, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer federal assistance to homeowners, residents, and businesses in Ontario, Orange, and contiguous counties affected by the severe weather event of July 9-10, 2023. Eligible parties can now apply for SBA low-interest loans to aid in recovery from the extensive damage caused by the flooding.

“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,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is working directly with FEMA to ensure our local government partners receive the critical funding they need to recover and rebuild.”

Damage Assessments and Loan Eligibility

Following the flooding, staff from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and local government partners conducted detailed damage assessments. These assessments led to Governor Hochul’s request to FEMA for Individual Assistance, which was denied, making SBA loans essential for recovery.

Eligible counties include Ontario and Orange, along with contiguous counties: Monroe, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Steuben, Livingston, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, and Rockland. SBA disaster loans offer the following:

• Homeowners: Up to $500,000 to repair primary residences.
• Homeowners and Renters: Up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property.
• Business Owners: Up to $2,000,000 for 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.

Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

To facilitate the application process, DHSES and SBA will open Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in Ontario and Orange counties. Starting Wednesday, May 29, Customer Support Representatives will assist applicants with their loan applications and answer any questions at the following locations:

Ontario County Safety Training Center
2914 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424

• Opening Day & Time: Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
• Hours of Operation:
  • Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Closing Day & 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 & Time: Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
• Hours of Operation:
  • Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Closing Day & Time: Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

Statements from Officials

New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray emphasized the severity of the storm, noting rainfall exceeding eight inches in 24 hours in some areas. “We are thankful that Governor Hochul and our federal partners have worked to secure access to these low-interest loans that will help homeowners, renters, and businesses recover from the losses this storm created,” Bray said.

Several federal representatives, including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Joe Morelle, Pat Ryan, Nick Langworthy, and Mike Lawler, praised the federal assistance initiative, urging affected residents and businesses to apply for the loans to facilitate their recovery.

Application Information

New Yorkers can find additional information, download applications, and apply online at SBA Disaster Loans. For assistance, they may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. The filing deadline for physical property damage applications is July 15, 2024. The deadline for economic injury applications is February 18, 2025.