Costs from the tornado that devastated parts of Rome continue to mount at breakneck speed, which is becoming a serious concern, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. told Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday in a letter requesting additional resources.

Picente said that while the immediate response to the powerful July 16 tornado helped the city to reopen roads, restore power and provide food and shelter, the city needs financial assistance from the state to move forward. 

He said the long-term recovery efforts must begin immediately, specifically demolishing uninhabitable and unsound structures, which he estimated at $25 million in demolition costs alone.

"It is our number one long-term priority," Picente wrote.

Even FEMA and emergency aid "will barely scratch the surface" of what has been spent and will continue to cost to recover, Picente said.

Since July 16, funds have expended for emergency response, cleanup, public assistance, temporary government offices, business recovery and individuals affected by the tornado, Picente said. He said long-term recovery costs from the tornado are only beginning, and the total impact was still unknown.