Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R-Big Flats) is urging small business owners, non-profit organizations, farmers and owners of multiple dwellings that sustained direct physical flood-related damage from Tropical Storm Lee to apply for a grant from the Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Business Flood Recovery Grant Program before the March 16 deadline.

“Many of our residents and businesses were devastated by Lee this past fall,” said Friend. “Rebuilding in the wake of the storm has been a challenge and these grants are a great opportunity for our local businesses to get a boost in their recovery efforts. I encourage any eligible party to apply immediately.”

Empire State Development is administering the $21 million Business Recovery Grant program to which eligible businesses may apply. The grants will be awarded to those that demonstrate the greatest need, with a maximum amount of $200,000 for the highest-need applicants. This funding is designed to offset the cost of repairs and restorations of structures not covered by federal, state or local aid.

To obtain an application, interested parties may email floodrecovery@esd.ny.gov or call 518-292-5340. Applications may be completed online at http://esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms/Data/FloodRecovery/012012_HurricaneIreneTropicalStormLeeApplication_final.pdf, but an original, signed copy must be sent to Empire State Development, Attn: Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Flood Recovery Program, 30 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12245.