Governor Hochul Secures Physical Disaster Declaration From U.S. Small Business Administration for Homeowners, Renters and Businesses Impacted by September 3 Flooding

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced she has secured a Physical Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Erie County and the contiguous counties of Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua following severe flooding from September 3 storms.

"New Yorkers deserve every dollar possible to help rebuild from these devastating floods," Governor Hochul said. "I'm thankful for our federal partners who helped to secure this declaration and the critical funds necessary to help get Western New York back on its feet."

The following groups may be eligible for low-interest SBA disaster loans:

• Homeowners: up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
• Homeowners and renters: up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
• Business owners: up to $2 million for the replacement of real property, inventories, machinery, equipment and other physical losses.
• Businesses and non-profits: Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to provide necessary working capital until normal operations resume after a disaster.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O'Leary said, "In early September, homes and businesses in Erie County experienced flooding and thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, those who were impacted now have access to vital funding that will aid in the recovery process. I thank the Governor, the SBA and all the county emergency management personnel involved in this process for their partnership in getting these New Yorkers the support they deserve."

Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and the September 3 flooding caused significant damage to businesses along Hertel Avenue that are now facing the cost of repairs and recovery. These businesses are vital to our local economy, and we need to make sure they have the resources to rebuild and continue serving our community. I'm glad to see this assistance made available to Western New York businesses and residents as they continue to recover from the storm."

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, "When disaster strikes, homeowners and businesses can be left out in the cold if no assistance is available to help them rebuild. Getting this funding following the September flooding is crucial to getting local residents and businesses back on their feet and I thank Governor Hochul for her quick action to make this happen."

City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said, "September's historic rainfall brought destructive flash flooding to North Buffalo. Our administration mobilized resources the very next day, visited businesses and homes, and worked with our neighbors to document the damage and advocate for assistance. I thank our residents and business owners for their advocacy, and Governor Hochul for recognizing the severity of the situation and securing this declaration from the Small Business Administration. These low-interest disaster loans will help our neighbors repair their homes, restore their businesses and continue to recover."

Buffalo Common Council President Joel Feroleto said, "I am pleased that New York State listened to the residents of Buffalo. This declaration provides a vital lifeline for our businesses and residents to recover from the financial toll of this disaster. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for always standing with Western New Yorkers."

Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal or at other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA's Customer Service Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. The application deadline for physical loans is December 18, 2026 and the application for economic injury loans is July 19, 2027.

SBA loans can help eligible parties that need financial assistance to get on the road to recovery following weather-related disasters and other emergencies.

About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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