Eligible entities include most private businesses, homeowner’s associations, certain not-for-profits, farms and owners of multiple dwellings used for business purposes (such as rental properties) that are located in Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson or St. Lawrence Counties and sustained damage from high water levels in the vicinity of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River between January 1, 2019, and October 31, 2019. Eligible entities that did not sustain damage in 2019 but that nonetheless have a demonstrated vulnerability to future flooding (such as having previously suffered flooding) may also apply for resiliency project funding, but program assistance is not guaranteed.
Eligible capital projects are those that will reduce vulnerability of an identified asset to a risk or risks experienced during the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River high water events (e.g., flooding, erosion), preventing permanent damage and loss of function to the identified asset.
Examples could include but not be limited to:
- Elevating and/or moving landward, non-water dependent features such as offices, restrooms, stores, restaurants, parking, or boat storage;
- Elevating critical equipment such as electrical panels, heating and HVAC systems;
- Raising/relocating fueling facilities;
- Converting to floating docks or other docks that allow for movement with water levels;
- Elevating and/or making improvement to fortify building, machinery, equipment, fixtures, and other essential structures against flooding
- Using flood-proof materials below grade, such as tile or concrete, or filling below grade areas (e.g., replacing below grade carpet flooring with tile flooring); and
- Septic system reinforcement
Please refer to the program guidelines for more specific eligibility criteria.
