Governor Hochul Announces $1.5 Million in State Investment for Mohawk Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $1.5 million in State funding to support two projects that will strengthen access to recreational opportunities and health services for the Mohawk Valley community. A $500,000 grant will support the creation of a new school-based health center at Oneonta Middle School, and an additional $1 million grant was awarded to advance the SFM Skatepark Project in the City of Rome.

"Every community deserves an opportunity to thrive and that means investing in areas to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "These state dollars will go directly to creating new opportunities for young people in the City of Rome and provide Oneonta Middle School a new health clinic to ensure our students remain healthy. From day one, improving the lives of all New Yorkers has been a top priority and this funding furthers our commitment to all who call the Mohawk Valley home."

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "These projects show the different ways State investment can strengthen communities. In Rome, the SFM Skatepark is creating a new place for recreation and connection, and in Oneonta, the new health center will make it easier for students to access care. DASNY is proud to administer this $1.5 million in funding and help move both projects forward."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "I thank Governor Hochul for this investment in Oneonta students and families and for her continued commitment to expanding access to care across New York State. Every child deserves access to quality resources. Bringing medical, mental health and dental services into schools makes it easier for students to get the care they need and supports their health and well-being."

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Throughout our conversations with young people about mental health, they have consistently pointed to the importance of having a trusted, comfortable and convenient place to receive health and wellness support. The new school-based health center will promote strong health and wellness among students in the Oneonta City School District, reflecting Governor Hochul's commitment to providing young people with the resources they need to thrive."

New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, "Governor Hochul's investment in the SFM Skatepark is a tremendous boost for the City of Rome and for the growing network of recreational opportunities along the Erie Canal. This project not only honors the legacy of Stone Mercurio but also strengthens the canal corridor as a vibrant community destination where residents and visitors can skate, bike and connect with the waterfront. We're proud to support a project that reflects the spirit of innovation and community pride that defines New York's Canal system."

Expanding Health and Dental Services for Oneonta High School

The Oneonta City School District will convert existing classroom space into a reception area, nurses station, practitioner office, patient exam rooms and storage space. The project will also improve the building entrance and nearby hallways to make the new health center more accessible.

Construction will include demolition and reconfiguration of the existing space, along with plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, masonry and other renovation work. The new center will support medical, mental health and dental services for students.

The school-based health center will provide students with easier access to care during the school day while reducing the need for families to travel elsewhere for routine services. The project will also give the district a dedicated space to coordinate care and support student health and wellness.

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will administer the $500,000 State grant.

Investing in SFM Skatepark in Rome

Governor Hochul provided $1 million capital funding to the SFM Skatepark project, which officially opened to the public in August of 2025 following completion of Phase 1. The project honors Rome native, Stone F. Mercurio, and grew from a grassroots effort to create a permanent public recreation space in his memory. Residents, businesses, community organizations and donors have supported the effort as it has grown from a local idea into a major recreational and community asset along Rome's waterfront.

Phase 1 of the project established the park's first skate areas, shade structures and an initial bicycle pump track. Phase 2 will add more skate and bike features, seating, landscaping, tree plantings, lighting, signage and other additional amenities. The work also includes ground improvements and relocation of the existing access road to provide safe and accessible entry to the park.

In addition to DASNY's $1 million grant announced today, the State previously supported the project through a $150,000 grant from the New York State Canal Corporation.

Oneonta City School District Superintendent Thomas F. Brindley said, "On behalf of the students, families, staff, and Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Governor Hochul for the $500,000 in Governor's Discretionary Capital Funding that you provided to support the construction of our school-based health center. As superintendent, I have the privilege of seeing every day how deeply our community cares about its children. The school-based health center represents that same commitment in a very tangible way. Your investment in this project is an investment in the children of the Oneonta City School District, not just for today, but for the many Yellowjacket students who will walk through its doors in the years and decades ahead. Thank you for believing in this project and, most importantly, for investing in the future of our students and families. Your generosity will leave a lasting legacy in the Oneonta City School District."

Bassett Healthcare Network President & CEO Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE said, "We are deeply grateful for Governor Hochul's investment in expanding access to care for students and families in the Oneonta community. This support will help establish a new school-based health clinic in Oneonta - Bassett Healthcare Network's most populated city - ensuring children have convenient access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services where they spend much of their day. Bassett now operates nearly two dozen school-based health clinics across 18 school districts and four counties. By bringing care directly into the school setting, we can help address health needs earlier, reduce barriers to access, and support students in staying healthy, engaged, and ready to learn. This investment reflects a shared commitment to the well-being of our communities, and Bassett Healthcare Network is proud to partner with the school district and New York State to improve the health of the next generation."

City of Rome Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan said, "This $1 million investment in the SFM Skatepark is fantastic news for the City of Rome and for the future of this important waterfront project. From the beginning, it has been driven by the vision and determination of Stone Mercurio's family, friends and supporters, and it has grown into a lasting community asset that honors his memory. I want to thank Governor Hochul and the State of New York for recognizing the value of this project and continuing to invest in Rome. This funding will help move the skatepark another step forward as a safe and accessible destination for residents and visitors."

SFM Skatepark Project Founder Andrea Mercurio said, "I want to thank Governor Hochul so much for seeing the importance of this project, for seeing the need to provide alternative outdoor spaces for our youth and young adults. Out of the tragic loss of our son, Stone, to suicide, the Rome community came together to support each other and build something truly awesome. Thanks to Governor Hochul's amazing one million dollar investment, the SFM skatepark project was able to push phase 1 over the finish line and we are not stopping there! Since the opening of the park we have seen so much use, all ages enjoying it, providing a fun, safe space for the community."