To my dear friends in Oneida County, keep the faith. You are enduring a very trying and difficult time after the recent flash floods that devastated your communities.

While touring parts of the Village of Clinton and other towns within Oneida County, I was taken aback by the damage your communities have suffered. Schools, homes, businesses and family farms saw flooding damage. I, however, was left inspired by the can-do attitude of your local officials, first responders and all your neighbors who, little by little, began picking up the pieces.

While FEMA is able to help with the damage made to governmental facilities, it has determined it is unable to provide individual help. This was devastating news, but I would like you to know that our state will be stepping in and providing $3 million worth of individual aid to help Oneida County homeowners, small businesses and farmers repair their lives.

Oneida County Residents: Sign Up for Flood Recovery Aid

You can start filling out the pre-application at: nyshcr.org/programs/nys-flood.

I encourage everyone who thinks they need help to get into the system as soon as possible by filling out this form. The online form is quite simple, but if you are unable to access a computer, please call my office at (315) 493-3909. My staff and I are happy to assist you with this or any other matter.

New York is also starting a program that would provide funding for plans to rebuild our communities so that they are stronger and more able to withstand flooding or other extreme weather conditions. I am eager to assist Oneida County residents in this endeavor.

Do you want to help Oneida County?

For those who weren’t affected by the recent flooding but would like to offer their assistance, please contact my office at (315) 493-3909 to learn how you can help our neighbors in Oneida County. Side-by-side, we can pick up the pieces and help this community be stronger than ever before.

Oneida County, we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We are here to help you.