Griffo, Brindisi announce $300 million approved for new hospital in Oneida County

ALBANY – State Senator Joseph Griffo and State Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi announced today that $300 million in funding for a new hospital in Oneida County has been approved in the 2016-17 State Budget.

After first restoring this funding back into budget negotiations several weeks ago, Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi applauded the Legislature in voting this week to guarantee that this significant financial support will be available to help build a new state-of-the-art healthcare facility in the Mohawk Valley.

Earlier this year, much concern had been prompted throughout the local community by news that the previously agreed-upon $300 million had been dropped from the Governor’s proposed budget. But Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi immediately reacted and, joined by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri, they initiated talks with the Governor’s Office to restore this funding.

Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi persisted until the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to improve the community’s healthcare services, and now both legislators are proud that the Mohawk Valley Health System can continue moving forward with their project plans knowing that state funding will be available.

Senator Griffo said: “I know how important the promise of this funding is to the future economic development of the Mohawk Valley, so I was committed to do whatever I could to once again secure this money for our region’s new hospital. I thank the Legislature for joining us in our efforts to solidify the state’s commitment to improve the healthcare services of Oneida County, because we all must be confident that the state doesn’t back down from the promises it makes on behalf of all our communities. I now look forward to seeing Mohawk Valley Health System use this funding to follow-through with its vision for a new healthcare facility that will best serve the residents of the Greater Utica Region.”  

Assemblyman Brindisi said: “Our community needs a state-of-the-art hospital to adequately meet our health care needs.  This is a sizeable investment in the future of the Mohawk Valley region that demonstrates the interest Governor Cuomo and our local leaders have in revitalizing our economy.  The hospitals serving the Utica area are aging, and having this new healthcare facility here will ensure that Mohawk Valley residents can receive the most up-to-date treatment, and will not have to travel to other areas to receive it.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said: “I want to thank our legislators, Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi, as well Governor Cuomo, for their continued commitment to this generational opportunity. This project is essential to the future of our region's healthcare needs. My Administration looks forward to working with the Mohawk Valley Health System and their partners on the next steps necessary to move this project forward.”

Scott H. Perra, President and CEO, Mohawk Valley Health System said: “Thank you to Senator Griffo, Assemblyman Brindisi, Senator Valesky, County Executive Picente and Mayor Palmieri, who have worked diligently to restore the $300 million in the New York State budget. Our next steps will be to secure this state funding as well as additional funds to support the new hospital project. We are pleased to be able to move forward with this tremendous opportunity to significantly improve healthcare for our community.”
 

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