WALTON, NY — Flood relief funding is currently available for Catskill region farmers through the Raise the Roof Donation Fund. These are small grants available to farms that suffered flood damage or product loss during Hurricane Irene and/or Tropical Storm Lee. A first round of $15,000 in funding has been completed. The second round of funding is open between December 15 and January 15, 2012. Applications can be obtained from the Scholarships & Grants section of the Pure Catskills webpage online at www.purecatskills.com, or by contacting Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org or 607/865-7090.

The fund is managed by a committee of local farmers and community members with administrative support from the Watershed Agricultural Council. Distribution of funding is the decision of the fund committee. Donations will be accepted through the remainder of 2011. One hundred percent of donations will be awarded through the fund. To contribute, mail a tax-deductible donation, made out to Watershed Agricultural Council, to WAC, 44 West Street, Walton, NY 13856. For other inquiries email Target409@Hotmail.com.