Hochul tours devastation in upstate NY after Tropical Storm Debby hits hard

The Cliff Moss farm in Canisteo lost 400 acres of corn, 200 acres of soybeans, hundreds of acres of hay and essential equipment in Friday's flash flood , Gov. Kathy Hochul said Sunday.

Hochul got a first-hand view of the devastation left in Steuben County by Tropical Storm Debby, which hit the Southern Tier hard and left homes, roads, schools, and other public infrastructure in shambles across southern Steuben and Allegany counties, as well as northern Pennsylvania.

"There's a lot of pain in this community. I saw it in their eyes," Hochul said. "I held their hands and sometimes people feel like government is not going to listen. I said, 'We're here, we're not going anywhere.' I made that commitment to (Cliff Moss). He's worried they're not going to have enough crops to feed the animals through the winter."

Rains hit the area Friday morning and dumped up to an inch on some towns by 9:30 a.m. Debby's remnants didn't let up for hours and between four and six inches eventually fell, swelling creeks and rivers. Tuscarora Creek was little more than ankle-deep when residents in South Addison went to bed Thursday night. By 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, though, waters raged over 12 feet high , according to NOAA.

Steuben County declared a state of emergency and residents of Canisteo, Jasper, Woodhull, Addison and Campbell were ordered to evacuate their homes. Many didn't get out before the flood hit, and swift water rescue teams were busy throughout the day aiding people left stranded by the flood.

"I think it's miraculous that there are no major injuries or fatalities. That is astounding to me," said Hochul. "And as the Governor, I'm committing to help this community come back. Because in a moment of crisis, we stand as one New York.

"Do not think that this remote part of our state – in some eyes – does not have as much value as every single place. From our biggest cities to the furthest reaches of this state, every community matters. It has value."

Assessing the damage in Steuben County

Hochul toured the Canisteo area Sunday, visiting homes, conferring with residents and discussing next steps with local and state officials.

The flood moved some homes and sheds hundreds of feet from where they sat Friday morning, with one double-wide mobile home swept up against a bridge. Tuscarora Creek again flooded the Jasper-Troupsburg High School just three years after damage from Tropical Storm Fred forced its closure . Reopening of the building may now be further delayed on the eve of a new school year.

"These are real problems that need real solutions," said Hochul. "Woodhull, the downtown businesses, including the feed mill, lost a brand-new outdoor seating area.

"This storm washed away people's lives and their dreams. Businesses, farms up the road, homes, schools destroyed in matters of seconds," Hochul added. "It makes me heart sick to know what the people have gone through. It's more than really what one would expect anyone to have to bear. Young families starting out, building the home of their dreams over five years, three beautiful daughters, escaping barely with their lives."

How Steuben, Allegany County homeowners can get help

State resources are being deployed to aid homeowners impacted by the storm. New York Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has launched an emergency repair program for homeowners in Allegany and Steuben counties, and Department of Financial Services personnel will be deployed to support residents and businesses with financial services questions.

Disaster recovery experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are working with local officials to assess damages that will allow the state to request federal disaster relief resources from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"We're going to squeeze every single federal dollar out of the government we can," said Hochul. "I've already alerted the White House to expect our calls, but we have to assess the damage first. It takes some time, but our assessment teams are on the ground."

The Department of Financial Services disaster hotline can be reached at 1-(800)-339-1759. Mobile vans will be deployed to the area to help people make insurance claims.

"Our state teams will be on the ground answering questions, helping people fill out forms so they can get their insurance money sooner," Hochul said. "It's really important for homeowners and businesses to keep track of all their expenses and what they lost. Make an inventory of your belongings. And if you can't resolve a dispute with the insurance company, then we want you to file a complaint with our department."

Homeowners will be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to fund or reimburse some health and safety related repairs that are not covered by insurance or other disaster relief programs. Applicants must be homeowners who occupy the home as a primary residence and total household income may not exceed 100% of the county area median income.

Hochul noted that this HCR grant program did not exist three years ago when Fred hit the area .

"It exists now," Hochul said. "I said, 'We have to be there as a stop gap measure to help these communities and these individuals get back on their feet.'"

Eligible homeowners interested in applying can inquire here .

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hochul tours devastation in upstate NY after Tropical Storm Debby hits hard