Oneida County officials write letter to Governor Hochul regarding concerns over funding assistance in wake of Rome tornado

ROME- Officials in Oneida County have reached out to the Governor’s Office over funding assistance in the wake of a tornado that devastated parts of Rome, NY this month.

Formulated by County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan, a letter to Governor Hochul recognizes the tremendous response and support immediately following the EF2 storm on July 16.

*Read the letter below:

With that said, the Mayor and County Executive noted how it very well will be years before any FEMA funds are realized. “Even when FEMA municipal assistance is realized, it will barely scratch the surface of what we have spent and will continue to spend to recover,” the letter states.

Specifically, the County Executive and the Mayor are requesting the Governor’s Office to help organize a path with assisting in demolition costs, which alone are estimated to reach $25 million, the letter states.

“One long-term recovery area that must begin immediately is the demolishing of uninhabitable and unsound structures,” Lanigan and Picente said.

Meanwhile in Lewis County, it was recently reported that public infrastructure damages, including roads, bridges, Lowville Academy and etc., could very well cost upwards of $50 million.

Images via the office of Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.