Those who suffered damages from the floods that battered Suffolk in August can apply for low-interest federal loans. The offer comes after the outgoing Biden administration denied assistance through FEMA for the affected areas, a decision being appealed by state officials.
Under the U.S. Small Business Administration loan offer, homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 to repair or restore their primary home to pre-disaster condition, while up to $100,000 can be had for homeowners and renters to repair or replace personal property. Businesses and private, non-profit organizations can get up to $2 million.
“While we’re disappointed that FEMA denied us assistance like they have for other areas that supported President Trump, we’re glad that the loans will be made available,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “We’ll keep fighting to get the decision overturned. Hopefully, the situation will change when the new president takes over.”
Up to $100 million in damages were caused in Suffolk by the torrential rain and ensuing floods. Flood waters described as “Biblical” tore down the Mill Pond dam and wiped out houses and roads in Stony Brook. In Smithtown, the Stump Pond dam let loose and completely drained the nearly century-old lake. Homes and businesses were deluged in many areas that had previously never flooded.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's hesitance to provide assistance to communities that supported Trump became an issue in the presidential election. The agency was criticized for its poor response to Hurricane Helene and a management directive not to help Republican areas.
“Long Islanders are still feeling the effects of August’s extreme weather, and alongside our federal partners, we’re ensuring that communities have the resources they need to recover,” said Hov. Kathy Hochul. “Resiliency is part of our DNA as New Yorkers, and my Administration is working diligently to provide support for those impacted by this flooding.”
“These disaster loans are a lifeline for Long Islanders, providing critical support to help them rebuild and restore their livelihoods,” noted Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “I thank the SBA for offering this vital assistance and will continue to fight to ensure all New Yorkers have every available resource to accelerate the recovery process after severe weather events.”
Residents can find additional information and apply for a loan online at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. They can also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Jan. 27, 2025, and the deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 26, 2025.