Gov. Kathy Hochul is asking for a physical disaster declaration for Niagara County due to damage from a storm July 20.
The request is being made to the Small Business Administration to authorize low-interest loans to affected individuals, families, businesses and non-profits.
The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services worked with emergency management officials in surveying damage following heavy rain and flooding in Niagara County. Major damage to 29 homes is estimated at $542,000, with minor damage totaling $11,715,000 to over 1,100 homes and 35 businesses.
Joe Allard sent a video of the heavy rain and hail pounding Lockport on July 20 to WBFO:
If the declaration is issued for Niagara County, it will also apply to the contiguous counties of Erie, Genesee and Orleans. Similar requests have been made in the wake of earlier July storms in Rensselaer and Otsego counties and their adjoining counties.
