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Posted: June 27th, 2007

Canajoharie: CPC Administers State Program To Aid Flood-Stricken Businesses

In June 2006, many communities in New York State’s Southern Tier and Catskill regions were hit by severe floods that devastated their downtown businesses.

But today, the affected business owners are back on track, thanks to the New York Main Street Flood Relief Program, an $8 million grant program created in July 2006 by the state and administered by CPC.

This program is a unique public-private partnership between CPC and three state agencies: the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), and Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC).

Since the program began in October 2006, CPC has processed 105 grant applications with requests totaling $5 million. To date, $3.4 million in grants have been awarded statewide.

Celebrating One-Year Success

In June 2007, CPC gathered with its state and local partners to celebrate success of the program in two formerly flood-stricken communities: Canajoharie and Walton.

In both these communities, one year after the disastrous flood, downtown was well on the road to recovery. Business owners had used the flood relief grants to restore their properties, keeping downtown viable. Small, family-owned businesses had been able to quickly make repairs and stay in business as a result of the timely grants.

Restoring Downtown Canajoharie

In Canajoharie, CPC collaborated with its local partner, the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission, to administer the distribution of grants.

In Canajoharie, 18 downtown businesses received flood relief grants, totaling more than $800,000. The biggest recipient was the village library and museum. Other businesses included restaurants, a florist, and a realtor.

“It is a testimony to the effective collaboration between CPC, New York State, and our partner in the Mohawk Valley that we were able to quickly assist the victims of this historic flood,” said John M. McCarthy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CPC. “The successful implementation of this grant program continues CPC’s long and proud tradition of helping to restore and revitalize downtown neighborhoods throughout New York State.”

Rebuilding Walton

In Walton, CPC partnered with Delaware Opportunities, Inc. to distribute grants worth $1,164,642 to 28 businesses.

CPC also administered grants to 16 businesses in the neighboring communities of Sidney, Deposit, East Branch, Delhi, and Treadwell. In total, Delaware County received $1,681,124 in flood relief grants.

In the one-year celebration event, DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen praised the collaboration between CPC and Delaware Opportunities, stating that “CPC, as our statewide administrator, helped get the NY Main Street funds ‘on the street’ in an expedited manner.”

Administering Grants

Downtown property owners in 13 counties affected by the floods are eligible to apply for grants under The New York Main Street Flood Relief Program. Designated counties include: Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga, and Ulster.

CPC (or an agent designated by CPC) provides an initial property assessment to determine eligibility for grants. The program gives priority to properties that have the greatest immediate need, as well as those that serve an important role in the community.

Under the program, property owners can use grants to repair flood-damaged property or to reimburse completed flood-related repairs. Property improvements to prevent future flood damage are also eligible, such as the relocation of electrical and heating services above flood plain areas.

Before receiving grant funds, applicants must provide proof that they have already pursued monies from flood insurance as well as any other available Federal, State, or local aid.

Items are not covered under the program include equipment, inventory, and similar non-realty items such as loss of income.