Oneida, N.Y. — National Grid emergency response teams were first on the scene in the Mohawk Valley after a tornado tore down trees, tore off roofs, toppled a church steeple and claimed one life in the village of Canastota.
In furthering our commitment to our customers and the communities in which we live and work, National Grid has confirmed that, after consulting with local stakeholders to identify the continuing needs of our communities, Donated $125,000 to support community organizations and local governments during their recovery.
Funding provided by the company’s shareholders through Project C, National Grid’s community investment program, will support local relief services, clean-up efforts and community strengthening.
Oneida was severely damaged by a series of thunderstorms that produced tornadoes on July 16th. National Grid, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and City Police Department, will provide $12,500 to the Oneida Improvement Commission. The Oneida Improvement Commission is working with the city to build what is called a pocket park on vacant land adjacent to both Messenger Street and Phelps Street. The site will be cleared and converted into a lighted park area for use by the community.
“Pocket parks serve as valuable gathering places for our community, promoting outdoor activity, relaxation and connection with nature,” Oneida Mayor Rick Rossi said in a news release. “Through National Grid’s philanthropic efforts like this, we are able to continue to make meaningful improvements that benefit everyone, and we are truly grateful for their support.”
Following the tornado, National Grid worked with local and state partners to secure access to infrastructure in neighborhoods, along commercial corridors, and in hard-to-reach areas. An EF-2 tornado with wind speeds of up to 135 mph struck the city of Rome, and an EF-1 tornado with wind speeds of up to 160 mph struck Canastota.
In addition, severe thunderstorms with excessive winds caused significant damage to the city of Oneida and affected life throughout the Mohawk Valley. As part of the emergency response, National Grid deployed more than 3,000 power restoration experts, including line, service, tree, damage assessment, and public safety personnel, to work around the clock in hazardous weather conditions. , restored service to 72,000 affected customers across the country. area.
“National Grid staff immediately went to work to repair storm damage and begin restoring power to customers as quickly as possible,” National Grid New York President Sally Librera said in a release. . “We were welcomed with open arms by our neighbors, some of whom faced very difficult circumstances. We would like to thank state and local officials for supporting our work. Thank you for your cooperation.”
“That partnership is critical to our business, and we strive to maintain strong relationships with our communities and customers,” she continued. “Today’s donation shows that we will be here and supporting them long after the lights come on.”
First Published: October 10, 2024 at 7:50am
