This article examines a new legislative effort in New York State aimed at helping Mohawk Valley and Central New York communities better withstand and recover from extreme weather.
Drawing on decades of experience in environmental science and disaster resilience, I’ll unpack what the proposed Central New York Extreme Weather Relief and Resiliency Grant Program could mean for small businesses, farms, and local residents.
This type of policy is becoming increasingly urgent in our changing climate.
Why Extreme Weather Relief Matters Now
New York State is experiencing more frequent and more costly extreme weather events, from intense rainfall and flooding to damaging windstorms and late-season freezes.
These events are no longer rare anomalies; they are becoming an expected part of our annual climate pattern.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s report underscores the scale of the problem.
Since 1998, New York has averaged 2.5 federally declared disaster events per year, triggering an average of about $958.6 million in annual federal assistance.
That figure reflects not only damage to infrastructure and property, but also the disruption to livelihoods, local economies, and community well-being.
Impacts in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley
Central New York and the Mohawk Valley have been especially hard hit in recent years.
Flooded main streets, washed-out roads, damaged crops, and repeated cleanup efforts have become familiar scenes.
State Senator Joseph Griffo stressed that the region has faced “significant weather challenges.”
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon emphasized the continuing need to prioritize assistance for those affected by these conditions.
Communities often lack the resources to fully recover before the next event strikes.
This creates a cycle of vulnerability that grows more severe over time.
The Central New York Extreme Weather Relief and Resiliency Grant Program
To address these challenges, Griffo and Buttenschon are advocating for legislation to create the Central New York Extreme Weather Relief and Resiliency Grant Program.
This initiative is designed not only to help communities recover, but also to build resilience so that future storms cause less damage.
At its core, the program focuses on targeted financial support for those most at risk when extreme weather hits.
Who Would Be Eligible for Grants?
The proposed grant program would prioritize entities that form the backbone of local economies and food systems, including:
By directing relief to these groups, the legislation aims to prevent temporary weather damage from becoming permanent economic decline.
Beyond Recovery: Building Resilience
The proposal is not limited to reacting after disaster strikes.
The legislation would also expand existing state storm damage recovery programs and introduce new mechanisms to strengthen preparedness and resilience.
This includes an insurance resiliency incentive program, intended to encourage property owners and businesses to adopt measures that reduce risk.
Examples include flood-proofing buildings, elevating critical equipment, improving drainage, or upgrading roofing and siding to withstand high winds.
Insurance Resiliency Incentives: A Preventive Approach
The proposed insurance resiliency component reflects a growing recognition nationwide: it is more cost-effective to prevent damage than to repair it repeatedly.
By aligning insurance incentives with risk-reduction strategies, policymakers can nudge communities toward smarter, more climate-resilient choices.
In practical terms, such an incentive program could support:
These measures can reduce long-term costs for both property owners and insurers.
They also help minimize the human toll of repeated disasters.
Where the Legislation Stands Now
The bill establishing the Central New York Extreme Weather Relief and Resiliency Grant Program is currently under committee review in the state legislature.
This is a crucial stage in the policy process, where details are refined and fiscal impacts are analyzed.
Stakeholder input is also considered at this stage.
For residents, businesses, and farms in the Mohawk Valley and broader Central New York region, this proposal represents a significant opportunity to strengthen immediate disaster recovery.
It also aims to enhance long-term climate resilience.
Here is the source article for this story: Sen. Griffo, Assemblywoman Buttenschon Push for Extreme Weather Aid