ALBANY – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) announced that applications are now being accepted for the Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Business Flood Recovery Grant Program. 

“Many small businesses, farms and non-profits damaged during Irene and Lee were already operating on a tight budget before the storms and are unable to afford costly repairs on their own,” said Senator Seward. “This state grant program will help fill the gaps that private insurance, federal grants and other assistance programs haven’t covered.”

The Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Business Flood Recovery Grant Program was approved by the state legislature during the extraordinary legislative session last month. Empire State Development will administer the $21 million grant program which will provide grants of up to $20,000 to offset the costs of storm-related repairs and restoration of structures not covered by other programs. Small businesses, farms, multiple dwellings and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for a grant.