Mayor: Flooding below disaster threshold

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Mayor: Flooding below disaster threshold

Even though the flooding in Rome was the worst the city has seen in decades, Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo said the damage did not meet the disaster criteria to receive financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “There is no financial assistance coming from the government,” Izzo said on Monday. “Homeowners and businesses are on their own, working with insurance carriers.”

Meanwhile, Oneida Lake is closed as the county and other local agencies continue to deal with the aftermath of two major storms in less than a week.

According to the National Weather Service, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred arrived in northern Oneida County on Thursday and dropped a record-breaking amount of water on the area. The Mohawk River rose to levels not seen in decades, city officials said, causing massive flooding in multiple neighborhoods around Rome. Upwards of 40 people were displaced from their homes, especially along River Street, behind the Central Fire Station.

“The water has receded everywhere,” Izzo said on Monday.

“We are in recovery mode now for people who have been displaced from homes and businesses. We’re paying close attention to River Street. All of the structures on River Street were compromised.”

Multiple businesses along East Dominick Street were also damaged by the rising water.

Izzo said representatives from National Grid were in the city on Saturday to speak with business and home owners. Izzo said third party electrical inspectors will need to be hired to examine the damage in individual homes and businesses before they can reopen. Several businesses on East Dominick Street have reopened, with the others expected through the week, the mayor stated.

Most of the homes on River Street remain empty. Izzo said the Rome Fire Department spent most of Friday and Saturday pumping out basements.

“We’ve accomplished all of the pumping that needed to be done, so people can begin drying out,” the mayor said. She added that the city Codes Department is working with home owners and landlords to line up the necessary inspectors.

Pinti Field on Sixth Street remains closed until the city can conduct repairs, Izzo said.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter at Rome Free Academy for people displaced from their homes. Izzo said the shelter was closed on Sunday, with anyone still needing a place to stay being set up in local hotels by the Red Cross.

Izzo said the city’s State of Emergency remains in effect for now.

“We want to make sure we have all our bases covered first. We wanted to make sure everybody was settled and we had a game plan for our businesses” before rescinding the State of Emergency, Izzo stated. Those discussions will continue this week.

Meanwhile, both Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol and Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood issued no unnecessary travel advisories this weekend for Oneida Lake. Due to dangerously high water levels, the lake was shut down to prevent shoreline flooding and because normally-visible obstacles in the lake are now hidden by the excess water. Officials said wakes from passing boats could cause additional problems for lake-side homes and businesses.

“We know that it is peak time for water recreation here in our community, but with the rain we just had and the anticipation of more rain and wind from Hurricane Henri, we are asking people to be cautious,” said Sheriff Hood.

“Please do not go out on the water in a boat at this time. We hope that the water levels will recede in a few days. This is for your safety, and that of our first responders.”

Tropical Depression Henri also lead to a State of Emergency being declared for parts of southern Madison County, from Madison County Board Chairman John M. Becker. There was heavy flooding in the towns of DeRuyter, Georgetown, Lebanon and Eaton. A no unnecessary travel advisory was still in place on Monday with several roads closed in those communities.

Residents are urged to be cautious when driving in those areas, officials said, adding that while many roads were open and passable storm debris may cause some problems. Officials added they are keeping an eye on the possibility of additional rain in upcoming days.

Over the weekend, former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo deployed emergency services to Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley due to Henri’s rains. Officials said more than seven inches of rain were reported in Brooklyn and Central Park this weekend.

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