$11 million of state emergency assistance announced in response to tornados, flooding across New York in July

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Three weeks after four tornados touched down in Western New York across three counties as part of the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, New York State is providing some storm relief for the region.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday up to $11 million in emergency assistance for eligible homeowners and municipalities in seven counties impacted by a series of severe weather events.

From July 10 to the 16th, 22 tornados, severe thunderstorms, and flooding affected multiple Upstate communities. This included the tornados to touch down in Chautauqua, Erie and Genesee counties on July 10.

This funding follows the Governor's request for a Federal Emergency Declaration to support response and recovery operations in 15 counties. If approved, the Federal Emergency Declaration would authorize FEMA to provide reimbursement for debris removal operations, emergency protective measures like search and rescue operations, and actions to eliminate or reduce immediate threats of significant additional damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water control facilities and utilities.

"After extreme weather events caused major damage across Upstate New York, we are providing rapid relief for impacted residents and municipalities," said Gov. Hochul on Wednesday. "While I continue to urge the federal government to act quickly on our request for an emergency declaration, my administration remains committed to assisting affected New Yorkers so they can recover from these devastating storms."

Up to $5 million in state funds will be made available to eligible homeowners impacted by these storm events. This state funding will provide emergency repair grants of up to $50,000 to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence in Lewis, Madison, Oneida, as well as Chautauqua, Erie, Essex, and Warren Counties.

"As we saw in Erie County and statewide, bad weather can develop and intensify quickly into storms that destroy homes and businesses, changing lives in an instant. This summer has seen a pattern of destructive storms sweep across New York State with multiple communities affected by intense weather the likes of which they’d not seen before," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz "Thanks to quick action by Gov. Hochul, emergency funding will be available to help homeowners and municipalities repair and recover from these storms and get back on their feet. Leadership shows in times like these, and I thank Gov. Hochul for making this funding available."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal will oversee the program, and grants will be awarded based on a scope of work approved by local administrators according to program guidelines. Homeowners in the affected regions can apply to receive funding to cover the cost of urgent repairs necessary to bring their home into a safe and habitable condition.

Applicants must be homeowners whose incomes are at or below 100% of Area Median Income to qualify. Eligible homeowners interested in applying may inquire here .

"I am grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state for their support in our storm recovery efforts. The emergency funds for Chautauqua County will help communities like Forestville rebuild stronger and better than ever," said Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel. "After touring the damaged areas, I am deeply moved by the resilience and determination of our community coming together to help neighbors, friends and family immediately following the storm."

Meanwhile, up to $4 million in emergency funding will be awarded to Oneida County and the City of Rome to support demolition of unsafe and unstable structures from tornado and severe storm damage.

Additionally, a $2 million Restore New York program grant previously awarded to support the rehabilitation of 233 West Dominick Street in Rome, will be authorized for demolition and redevelopment of the site. The next round of the Restore New York program, which will launch this summer, will incorporate guidelines for communities affected by these storms to apply for funding to support initiatives to demolish or repurpose now blighted or unsafe buildings.