$3 Million Available For Orange County Homeowner Repairs

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — Up to $3 million in funding will be made available to eligible homeowners in Orange County impacted by flooding from recent historic rainfall.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that state funds will provide emergency repair grants of up to $50,000 for critical home repairs to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence during last week’s 1,000-year flooding event.

“In the wake of this historic disaster that hit Orange County,” she said, “I’m committed to supporting this community every step of the way.”

Hochul said state personnel have been working around the clock to help Orange County rebuild and recover, from repairing roads and bridges to assisting homeowners with this initiative.

“Make no mistake: These extreme weather events are our new normal,” she said, “and New York will always be ready for what comes our way.”

The emergency grant funds announced Tuesday will cover damage incurred at a primary residence for homeowners who meet the program’s income guidelines.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal will oversee the program which will be administered by Rural Development Advisory Corporation, an Orange County-based nonprofit organization and subsidiary of RUPCO Inc.

Homeowners can apply to receive funding to cover the cost of urgent repairs that will bring their home into a safe and habitable condition.

Eligible work may include repair or replacement of electrical and plumbing systems, heating systems and appliances, flooring, drywall, insulation, windows, doors, siding and roofing.

Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded based on a scope of work approved by RDAC. Applicants must be homeowners whose primary residence is Orange County and have incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

Eligible homeowners can apply for funding at www.rupco.org or by calling 845-713-4568 ext. 114 for more information.

Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said he appreciates Hochul being on the ground in his county and allocating the assistance.

“We will continue to urge the federal government to provide needed funding to fully rebuild stronger,” he said.