New York State Grants Storm Funding for Low and Median-Income Homeowners

CANASTOTA N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Two weeks after tornadoes ripped through Rome and Canastota, the largest pot of money yet is to open to help people rebuild.

And for two weeks now Shiley Northup, a Canastota resident has been trying to find out what kind of costs she’s up against after her house got hit by the tornado.

“I put a lot of money into it and it’s not just something that is going to cost 50 cents to fix. I’m not going to get the money I put into it so I think that’s what the issue is,” said Northup.

Northup, like many residents, is relying on insurance to come through, because she can’t afford to rebuild otherwise.

New York State is now stepping up to help. Specifically those of low to moderate income.

New York opens application for homeowners seeking tornado relief

New York State has just opened its application for funding to provide residents who suffered damage to their primary residence in Lewis, Madison, Oneida, as well as Chautauqua, Erie, Essex, and Warren Counties with grants up to $50,000.

“It’s good to know that the state is looking out for us because if it was just Canastota we would just never qualify for FEMA funding,” said Canastota mayor Rosanne Warner.

Since the storm, Shirley’s home has been declared as not to be occupied by Code Enforcement and the Fire Marshall of Canastota.

Shirley is currently living at her son’s home until she can receive aid from the state.

The village admission has been one of the officials taking action as soon as the announcement was released by reaching out to “a property owner who lives right here on Barlow Street and informed him on the press release and sent it to him and said you know hopefully this is something that can help you and your family.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.