Invest, build, and grow. 

That's the path to recovery for Oneida County, according to County Executive Anthony Picente.

He delivered his State of the County address Tuesday, saying he wants to look to the future, even as the county continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He believes new economic development at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park is an important part of that future.

Picente also laid out some initiatives for the upcoming year. They include "Boost Oneida County," an app-based program to provide a cash incentive for vaccination, which can then be spent at local small businesses. 

The money will come directly from American Rescue Plan funding.

The county will also build a food emporium at the refurbished Union Station, featuring artisan and ethnic products.

A long-term Main Street revitalization plan will work as a 50-50 match to rebuild the downtown areas of communities across the county. And a project will install high tech infrastructure to form a "smart city" in the Woodhaven corridor.

"To put it in layman’s terms, it’s a wired-for-internet city within a city that allows community Wi-Fi, smart street lighting and a connected experience that will make cars with no drivers and drone delivery possible right here in Oneida County," Picente said.

Picente also announced a pledge to convert 50 percent of the county's government fleet to electric vehicles by 2031.