President Barack Obama has declared a disaster in New York after Tropical Storm Irene, freeing up federal recovery funds for area counties, according to the Associated Press.
The declaration makes federal funding available to people in eight upstate counties, including Delaware and Schoharie. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs.
State and eligible local governments and some private nonprofits in 19 counties are also eligible for funding.
Applications can be made starting Thursday at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-FEMA or (800) 462-7585 (TTY).
