Flooding between August 13 and 15 wreaked havoc on the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier, and now small business owners may get some help from the federal government.

 “We know that there was over 100 different structures that were, received some form of flooding,” said Broome County Emergency Services Director Michael Ponticiello.

Broome County saw major damage to 20 homes and seven businesses, and Seneca County had significant damage to 25 homes and a pair of businesses.

FEMA had already announced their disaster declaration to help municipalities.

 “The more important component is getting the community and our residents back on their feet,” Ponticiello said.

The Small Business Association has now also offered help by dispatching loan specialists in the region.

The SBA will be available through next Wednesday, excluding Sunday. They also have representatives available at the Ovid Federated Church in Seneca County.

 “It really applies to residences, homeowners, renters, and obviously businesses,” Ponticiello said.

The declaration covers flooded counties including, Broome, Seneca, Schuyler, and Tompkins, among others.

“We will assist homeowners with the real estate and personal property. We will assist renters with personal property, meaning everything they own,” said Valerie Cobb, a SBA claims specialist.

The SBA fact sheet says personal property is covered up to $40,000, property damage is covered up to $200,000, and business loans are covered up to $2 million.

 “The adjuster will determined how much is for real estate, how much is for personal property. But the real estate is the structure,” Cobb said.

Physical damage applications have to be submitted by December 10.

But, Cobb recommends not waiting.

It typically takes between 30-45 days to get the money in hand.

 “I wouldn’t take a loss. We'll come in and see. Our loans are for homeowners 2 percent and it could go up to 4 percent,” she said.

SBA will meet with people during the following times:

Broome County
Broome County Public Library
185 Court Street in Binghamton

Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Monday and Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Seneca County
The Ovid Federated Church
7137 N. Main Street in Ovid 

Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
Thursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.