New York Lawmakers Respond to EF2 Tornado Devastation

News Summary

New York lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 7761 to aid recovery from the EF2 tornado that struck Rome on July 16, 2024. The bill includes a grant program and repair assistance for affected homeowners, aiming to bolster community resilience. Despite significant damage to homes and local businesses, there were no fatalities caused by the tornado. The resilience package focuses on providing immediate support and implementing long-term strategies to better prepare for future extreme weather events.

New York lawmakers are taking decisive action in response to the devastation caused by an EF2 tornado that struck Rome on July 16, 2024. With peak winds of up to 135 mph and a path extending over 5 miles, the tornado impacted approximately 370 homes, leaving a trail of destruction that stretched through the city. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities from the tornado itself; however, a tragic incident in a nearby town resulted in one death due to storm debris.

In light of this disaster, Senate Bill 7761 has been introduced by Senator Joseph Griffo on May 5, 2025. This comprehensive resilience package aims to provide both immediate assistance to those affected and to establish long-term strategies for climate mitigation.

Components of the Resilience Package

The proposal outlines a three-part approach to disaster resilience. Part A establishes the Central New York Extreme Weather Relief and Resiliency Grant Program, which sets aside up to $75 million in state-administered grants. These funds are intended to assist with storm-related expenses that are not covered by insurance or existing recovery programs. In addition, a separate $10 million fund is designated to aid municipalities impacted by disasters occurring between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.

Part B of the proposal focuses on enhancing support for homeowners through the Resilient and Ready Program. This part includes provisions for Rapid Response Home Repair Grants of up to $25,000 for urgent repairs. Additionally, it offers a Resilient Retrofits Program aimed at long-term mitigation upgrades. The assistance under Part B will be prioritized for low- and moderate-income homeowners, with the potential for reduced insurance premiums for those who participate in the program.

Finally, Part C introduces the Central New York Property/Casualty Insurance Resiliency Incentive Program. This initiative encourages insurance providers to offer loss mitigation tools at reduced costs. The legislation mandates that insurers file actuarially justified discounts with the Department of Financial Services, ensuring a more accessible avenue for recovery for policyholders.

Impacts of the Tornado

The EF2 tornado resulted in damaging impacts on many landmarks within the community, including historic church steeples and various local businesses. Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan has indicated that many residents and businesses are actively looking for relief funds to recover from the storm’s aftermath. Despite the challenges, the community is demonstrating resilience and a commitment to rebuilding, although uncertainty remains for some properties.

Legislative Timeline

If passed, the resilience bill would take effect retroactively to January 1, 2024, aiming to address damages from past disasters, including the recent tornado. The proactive response from lawmakers indicates a significant commitment to enhancing statewide disaster preparedness and recovery efforts in the wake of severe weather events.

As the community of Rome seeks to recover from the tornado’s devastating effects, officials emphasize the importance of expedient relief efforts and long-term planning to ensure that residents are better equipped to face future weather-related challenges. The proposed legislation is an essential step in addressing immediate needs while simultaneously fostering a culture of resilience against the impacts of climate change.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Democrat and Chronicle
• Wikipedia: Tornado
• New York Times
• Google Search: Rome New York tornado
• Rome Sentinel
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
• Syracuse.com
• Google News: Tornado Rome New York