Tom Reed continued to stand with area farmers impacted by the ongoing drought by announcing access to federal assistance from the United State Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration. “We care about our farmers. Agriculture is a critical industry to our local economy and we want to make sure we can preserve it for generations to come. Its only right to come along side our farmers in their time of need,” said Reed.

The United States Department of Agriculture recognized the negative impact the drought has had on the region by designating 15 counties eligible for assistance, including: Cayuga, Chemung, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins and Yates.  In addition, the department also designated contiguous counties eligible for aid, which include: Allegany, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus.

Farm operators in both designations could be eligible for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) if they meet program conditions.  Available programs include the Emergency Loan Programs and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), both help producers recover from losses due to drought. Eligible applicants have until April 25, 2017 to apply for aid.  For a full list of assistance programs available through the USDA, click here.

The Small Businesses Administration can also offer low interest loans for up to $2 million for private non-profit organizations and small businesses for drought relief. More information on the loan programs can be found here.

“Our offices remain committed to assisting those in need. Even if applications aren't initially submitted through our offices, we are glad to assist with getting results from any federal agency,” said Reed.

Reed has five office locations around the region.  Contact information is as follows:

Corning:                     89 West Market Street                                 (607) 654-7566

Geneva:                      433 Exchange Street                                     (315) 759-5229 

Ithaca:                         401 East State Street, Suite 304-1               (607) 222-2027

Jamestown:                2 East 2nd Street, Suite 300                         (716) 708-6369

Olean:                         1 Bluebird Square                                         (716) 379-8434

Area residents can also contact Reed’s office for assistance through his website, www.Reed.house.gov.