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Disaster Relief

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Rt. 2 in Grafton on Aug. 29, 2011
Hurricane and Disaster Relief Plans
In the wake of Hurricane season, and increased weather hardships endured by Rensselaer County and the greater Capital Region, the Chamber would like to provide it's members with a list of resources for businesses and individuals who have suffered damages in the past and would like to be prepared in the future.

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers eligible Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) affected by natural disasters the ability to apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA’s website.ready.gov. SBA provides risk plans, disaster 'kits,' and business management resources for organizations in the wake of a natural disaster.

FEMA The Federal Emergency Management Agency

United Way 2-1-1, a free information and refferal call service available 24.7 for disaster relief and other resources.

 
Credible Twitter accounts to follow for local, national and global news updates:  
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency @fema
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration @SBAgov


State Resources:
Business Resources:
What can YOU do to help?

Share your information on our Facebook page to spread the word!

  • Volunteer: The United Way, American Red Cross and other local organizations are always looking for disaster relief help and clean up assistance.
  • The Bonadio Group offers disaster recovery and insurance claim assistance. For more information please call (518) 464-4080.
  • Be Prepared: Have a crisis communication plan and make sure your family/friends have a plan as well.  
National Grid establishes Diaster Relief Program
1. OVERVIEW
National Grid’s Emergency Economic Development Program has been developed to provide timely economic development assistance to communities and customers who have been impacted by the devastating effects of the back-to-back natural disasters that hit Upstate New York in Late Summer & Fall 2011. The goal of the program is to fill gaps in funding allocated to communities or businesses through federal and state programs, insurance or other emergency sources. Program funding is available to all disaster area counties, but is targeted to those communities and businesses most impacted by the 2011 storms and flooding. The programs are also designed to encourage job retention in impacted communities; and to promote installation of energy efficient equipment and systems through National Grid’s portfolio of energy efficiency programs.
2. PROGRAMS
Emergency Commercial District Investment
Provides emergency grants of up to $100,000 to help offset reconstruction costs that would otherwise be borne by those communities in Upstate NY served by National Grid that have been impacted by the devastating effects of the 2011 storms and flooding. Funds can be used to offset costs incurred by the municipalities for repair & replacement of electric infrastructure & street lighting; demolition and reconstruction of buildings condemned as a result of wind or water damage; façade work on buildings damaged during storm to the extent necessary to repair and replace energy infrastructure.
Emergency Agriculture Fund
Provides emergency grants of up to $25,000 to impacted farmers and agri-businesses. Funds may be used to offset the costs of repair & replacement of electric infrastructure; and replacement of fixed equipment necessary for the operation of the farm or agri-business including pumps, lighting, ventilation, heating, and cooling. 
Emergency Economic Development Bridge Loan
Provides emergency 0% loans to authorized Local Development Corporations (LDCs) and designated emergency business and agricultural lenders which they will re-lend interest free to eligible commercial/industrial and agricultural businesses in impacted communities. Provides emergency grants of up to $25,000 for renovation of buildings that have been vacated due to the impact of storm damage. This is an enhanced version of the Company’s existing Main Street program, adapted for use during this emergency situation. Funds may be used for energy infrastructure repair and/or replacement, site preparation, construction, renovation and rehabilitation of commercial, industrial or mixed-use buildings under 100,000 square feet.
3. EMERGENCY PROGRAM EXPENDITURES
Total spending on the Emergency Economic Development Programs is capped at $6 million. The funding will be spread across 2011 and 2012, however all applications for emergency assistance must be received by September 1, 2012, in order to be considered for funding.
For more information and to apply: http://www.nationalgridus.com/ Click on "Upstate NY"