NORWICH – Homeowners who had water in their basement during recent flooding only have a limited amount of time to take advantage of government recovery funding. Many residents could need that money and not even know it.

On top of doing inspections and granting permits, City of Norwich Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence has spent the last few weeks looking at the inside of water heaters, furnaces and clothes dryers. The components of the units, he said, were even more dirty and corroded than he expected. The amount of destruction caused by late June high water surprised Lawrence, and considering that deadlines for grant funding application are fast approaching, he is urging much of the city to have documentation of damage and work done now.

On June 30, Governor George Pataki announced a $35 million flood relief package that offers home owners and small businesses with grants of up to $5,000 for documented flood loses. The application deadline for the program is Sept. 5.