Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Sept. 3 flooding in Erie County can apply for federal disaster loans, with the declaration also covering several neighboring counties, including Genesee and Wyoming, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.
The U.S. Small Business Administration's physical disaster declaration lists Erie along with contiguous Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. People and businesses in those counties may be eligible if they sustained qualifying losses from the storm. The assistance is offered as low-interest loans, not grants, and applicants must meet SBA requirements.
Loans for property damage and working capital
Homeowners may seek up to $500,000 to repair a primary residence, while homeowners and renters may seek up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, the governor's office said. Businesses may apply for up to $2 million for physical losses involving property, inventory or equipment. Businesses and private nonprofits may also seek economic injury loans of up to $2 million for working capital.
Economic injury loans are intended to help eligible businesses and nonprofits meet financial obligations while normal operations resume.
Deadlines and applications
Applications for physical damage loans are due Dec. 18, 2026. The deadline for economic injury loans is July 19, 2027. Applicants can use the MySBA Loan Portal or call the agency's customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 for help.
Applications also may be submitted at other locally announced locations, the governor's office said. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay service before contacting the agency.
The flooding caused significant damage in parts of Buffalo, including businesses along Hertel Avenue, according to state and local officials quoted in the announcement.
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