Islip helping people file for storm aid

Islip Town’s Office of Emergency Management is offering to help local businesses and nonprofits affected by flooding during Tropical Storm Irene apply for newly available state money.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced late last month the Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Business Flood Recovery Grant Program, administered by the Empire State Development Corp., would make available $21 million in individual grants up to $20,000 for eligible small businesses, farms, multiple dwellings and nonprofits that sustained flood-related damage.

While Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm as it passed over Long Island, restrengthening as it moved upstate, Islip emergency management director Rick Gimbl said his office learned Long Islanders were eligible and his department stands ready to assist local applicants.