Herkimer County was recently added to the list of counties eligible for federal assistance as a result of Hurricane Irene, and State Senator James L. Seward is reminding residents and businesses to apply in the wake of Irene and Lee.

“I encourage those who have suffered damage to apply with FEMA as soon as possible to begin the assistance process,” Seward said.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses can begin the process at www.Disaster

Assistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Seward also commended the announcement of an appliance grant program that will help cover the costs of replacing vital household appliances such as refrigerators, boilers washing machines and furnaces, damaged by the recent flooding.

“This rebate program will cover most if not all the costs of new equipment purchased helping people stay in their homes and return to life as usual as soon as possible,” he said.

The program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Purchases must be for replacements that are not covered by insurance .

The grant program will continue until funding runs out.