The global bill that wrapped up New York’s legislative session includes a Governor-Cuomo-approved version of the aid program for flooded Lake Ontario shoreline property owners.
This time it’s a $45 million program, half of what the Assembly and Senate wanted to spend. It includes funding for those affected by the March Windstorm in Western New York, but apparently drops funding for victims of past floods in the Southern Tier that was added to bring in their votes for the original package.
State Senator Pam Helming of Canandaigua says it’s available to homeowners, small business owners, farmers, non-profits, local governments and homeowner associations to cover what insurance won’t pay for. It covers damage from January first through August first and includes Seneca Lake, Oneida Lake and several rivers that went on spring rampages with the record-high rains.
Homeowners can ask for up to $50,000 if the lakeshore home is their primary residence. Ditto if it’s a vacation home, but the owner makes less than $275,000 a year. Owners of multiple homes may seek up to $20,000 each; businesses up to $50,000.