$11 Million to Fund Extreme Weather Resiliency Programs Across NY State

A shot of a flooded parking lot from excessive rain in Hamburg, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the allocation of roughly $11 million in funding, made available via FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, for local New York state governments and select non-profits with projects focused on resilience and impact reduction in regards to extreme weather events. 

“From heat waves to historic flooding, we are living in a time of record-breaking weather events which have left many regions across New York State in need of repair,” Hochul stated of the funding. “This funding will help to fortify our infrastructure and communities, making them more resilient in the face of climate change.”

The funding was originally reserved following President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration of September 2023’s extreme weather in Brooklyn (Kings), Nassau, and Westchester counties, where approximately eight inches of rain fell during one twenty-four hour period. 

“As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather, its critical communities have the resources they need to strengthen their resiliency,” noted New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray of the funding. “This funding will play an essential role in that effort by enabling our local partners to implement projects that will protect people, property and infrastructure.”

The program enables eligible governmental bodies and nonprofits access to funding for up to 75% of their estimated project cost. Projects in Kings, Nassau, and Westchester counties will take priority consideration, however, any New York state county may apply. 

“Protecting critical infrastructure from the effects of climate change is paramount to continuing our livelihoods across the state” said local Buffalo resident Devin Haynes of the funding. “We have to act now before it is too late.”  

Applications will be reviewed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, where technical assistance can also be provided upon request. Applications will be accepted until September 13, 2024. Information on how to apply can be found here.