Published: July 16, 2008 07:57 am         

Counties can apply for flood funding

$15 million is available by request to state fund

Staff Report

Area counties will have an opportunity to apply for their share of $15 million in state funding for flood relief, according to a media release from Gov. David Paterson.

Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties are among the 11 eligible to submit a request for proposal to the state Housing Trust Fund Corporation. State funding for the Greater Catskills Flood Remediation Program will be used to purchase and demolish eligible homes that have been damaged by floods since April 1, 2004, and are determined to be at risk, the release states.

Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman James Eisel said the county will ask for $1.5 million. The number of eligible homes is still being evaluated, he said, but includes properties in Colchester, Hancock, Sidney and Walton.

He cited the efforts of state Sen. Jon Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, for helping add the costs of demolition and cleanup as eligible costs. Eisel said 10 to 15 homes could be purchased if the plans are acceptable.

“You wish it could be more,” he said. But “it’s a good thing for those truly in harm’s way.” During the last four years, nine floods have occurred in the state, resulting in major federal disaster declarations.

“It’s critical that we help people out of these flood zones so that they can begin rebuilding their lives,” Paterson said.

In order to qualify for the program, the home must be the primary residence of the owner with a family income up to 150 percent of the area median income, according to the state. Homes purchased would be condemned and the property dedicated for open space, recreational, wetlands or flood-mitigation purposes.