Long Island, NY - October 15, 2015 - Senator Ken LaValle announces that the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is now accepting applications for the “Superstorm Sandy Fishery Disaster Grant”. Up to $3.6 million will be available to assist New York businesses.
Senator LaValle said, “Our fishing community is still suffering the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy from three years ago. It’s my hope that the grants can assist the businesses in their economic recovery efforts.”
The companies must be located in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester Counties and must provide documentary evidence that shows more than $5,000 in revenue or gross income losses as a result of Superstorm Sandy and have at least $15,000 in annual earnings in one of the eligible fishery sectors.
Eligible applicants include businesses in the following sectors:
- Bait and tackle
- For-hire fishing boat operators
- Commercial harvesters
- Commercial seafood dealers/shippers/processors
- Aquaculture facilities
More information about the program or for assistance with filling out the application is available on DEC’s website. Applicants can also contact DEC at (518) 402-8044 or on email, or the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) at 1-855-NYS-SANDY (1-855-697-7263) or info@stormrecovery.ny.gov
The money will be distributed to successful applicants following the close of the 90-day open application period. Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2015.
Currently, scheduled informational public meetings to explain the grant program are:
Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-9 PM
Suffolk County: Riverhead
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
First Floor Meeting Room
423 Griffing Ave.
Riverhead, NY 11901
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7-9 PM
Suffolk County: East Setauket
DEC Marine Resources Headquarters
205 Belle Mead Rd., Suite 1
East Setauket, NY 11733
Thursday, Oct. 22, 7-9 PM
Suffolk County: Montauk Club Houseat the Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
50 South Fairview Ave.
Montauk, NY 11954