In response to the July 1st flooding in Central New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made a trip to Boulevard Trailers in Whitesboro to announce funding to help the area.

Whitesboro Mayor Pat O'Connor introduced Cuomo in front of media and citizens to hear details of how the state will assist in flood mitigation and training of first responders. The Governor announced $2.5 million to improve the creek depth and creek beds to hold water as opposed to 'rising up.'

Governor Cuomo began his remarks addressing the issue of extreme weather. Cuomo talked about how frequent heavy rain and snow has been happening like never before. Cuomo says, "I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the owners have said, 'This home has been here for 100 years and I have never had a drop of water in the basement.' And the house is washed away in a flash flood."

In addition to the $2.5 million promised for mitigation of the creek, $250,000 will be allocated for training of first responders and to provide equipment to them for rescue and relief efforts. One of the groups he couldn't thank enough for their efforts were the area police and firefighters. Local citizens impacted by the flood waters and local officials had hoped there would be more funding for home owners who were devastated, but there was no mention of that.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi was present, standing among constituents, and told WIBX "This is a step in the right direction, but what I want him to do is to dedicate a special office to oversee Oneida County and Herkimer County flood resiliency projects because we have

I am not very clear what that $250,000 is going to be going towards based on this announcement today.

seen this story before where projects get announced and money falls off the table." When Brindisi was asked about the $250,000 he says, "I am not very clear what that $250,000 is going to be going towards based on this announcement today. What I wanted to see it go towards is to help home owners, residents and businesses recoup out of pocket expenses that they have incurred as a result of the flooding. That's the immediate help that they need right now."

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente was present with the Governor as well. Picente says he's working with the state to add to the money promised to provide assistance to home owners with the out of pocket costs as mentioned by Assemblyman Brindisi. Picente did say the governor expects to plan an additional trip to the area in the next few weeks.

At the conclusion of the press conference Cuomo did not take questions from the media.

More From WIBX 950