OBSERVER file photo A July 10 tornado tore through Forestville and portions of Hanover damaging structures.

State Gov. Kathy Hochul announced up to $11 million in emergency assistance for eligible homeowners and municipalities in seven counties impacted by a series of severe weather events.

From July 10 to 16, 22 tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flooding affected multiple Upstate communities. This funding follows the governor’s request for a federal Emergency Declaration to support response and recovery operations in 15 counties. Immediately following the storms on July 17, Hochul toured communities to assess the damage.

“After extreme weather events caused major damage across Upstate New York, we are providing rapid relief for impacted residents and municipalities,” Hochul said on Wednesday. “While I continue to urge the federal government to act quickly on our request for an emergency declaration, my administration remains committed to assisting affected New Yorkers so they can recover from these devastating storms.”

Up to $5 million in state funds will be made available to eligible homeowners impacted by these storm events. This state funding will provide emergency repair grants of up to $50,000 to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence in Lewis, Madison, Oneida, as well as Chautauqua, Erie, Essex, and Warren counties.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said, “I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and the state for their support in our storm recovery efforts. The emergency funds for Chautauqua County will help communities like Forestville rebuild stronger and better than ever. After touring the damaged areas, I am deeply moved by the resilience and determination of our community coming together to help neighbors, friends and family immediately following the storm.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal will oversee the program and grants will be awarded based on a scope of work approved by local administrators according to program guidelines. Homeowners in the affected regions can apply to receive funding to cover the cost of urgent repairs necessary to bring their home into a safe and habitable condition. Applicants must be homeowners whose incomes are at or below 100 percent of Area Median Income to qualify.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Department of Transportation, Office of Disaster Recovery Programs, New York State Police, Thruway Authority and National Guard continue to be engaged in supporting local governments as they work to recover.