Griffo announces $8.5 million for Rome

Empire State Development grant will extend water, sewer to residents, businesses

ROME – Sen. Joseph A. Griffo today announced that the state is providing $8.5 million to the City of Rome for a major water-sewer improvement project.

The funds, which come from Empire State Development’s Economic Transformation Program, are for a two-phase project in the north, west and south corridors of Rome.

The West Rome phase will bring water to more than 1,000 residents by tying together existing water lines, while increasing water pressure and reliability of service. The second phase will connect more than 50 businesses and shovel-ready sites by completing the water and sewer lines along Martin Street, adjacent to the major Utica-Rome transportation networks.

“I’ve worked diligently since the prison closure to ensure that the state helped Rome plant the seeds for future prosperity,” said Griffo, R-Rome. “This grant will provide thousands of West Rome residents with a clean, uninterrupted water supply and allow for small business and industry to sprout from the once contaminated fields of South Rome. This is the culmination of several years of phone calls and personal meetings among myself, the governor’s office and state agencies about this critical project. I thank Governor Cuomo for sharing my vision of an economic rebirth here, and directing Empire State Development to release this vital money.”

Added Rome Mayor Joseph R. Fusco Jr.: “City leaders dreamed big when it came to providing water and sewer to underserved areas. With this grant, Senator Griffo took that dream and helped make it reality. We thank him for understanding the importance of this project and going to bat for us. We also thank Governor Cuomo for designating these crucial state funds to our city. Both he and Senator Griffo have truly contributed to a positive economic future for our area.”

“Senator Griffo has been relentless in his duty to serve the people of our great city,” Fusco continued. “He has worked continuously for more than a year now to ensure that we were able to secure these important funds. Again, I would like to thank Senator Griffo for helping this administration obtain its goal of improving and expanding the necessary infrastructure and helping us meet the challenges of a very competitive house and commercial marketplace.”

The project is anticipated to begin construction next spring in the following areas:

• Dawn Drive, Humaston, Link, Lorena, Oswego, Sleepy Hollow, State Route 69, Turin, and West Thomas roads (Water main installation)
• Koten Drive subdivision, Turin Road (extension of existing service)
• Martin Street (water and sewer interconnection)