Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente was joined by state and local officials at the Whitesboro Fire Department today to announce funding for flood mitigation and cleanup efforts following Saturday's severe flooding in the area.

Picente says the County will allocate $2 million for flood mitigation projects.

Picente said “We cannot stop natural disasters. However we must continue to do our best to be prepared when flooding strikes. This program will look at the areas hardest hit, whether Village, Town, City or County area and put together a plan that will mitigate the flooding in the long term.”

Picente says $500,000 will go to cleanup efforts, which will be a 50/50 split with affected municipalities.  The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties will receive $250,000 to help individuals in recovering from the damages they incurred.

Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, who was among the state representatives on hand, promised support from the state.

Hochul toured flood damaged areas with local officials.

Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Financial Services Mobile Command Center will be at the Whitesboro Fire Department from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.through Saturday to help residents affected by the flooding.

Those in need of assistance can also call 2-1-1.

Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
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