Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. recently unveiled his 2024 budget, with a focus on advancing technology jobs in the region. However, Picente expressed frustration when he discovered that federal funding was not available to support these initiatives. In a statement, he criticized the U.S. Economic Development Administration for excluding the Utica-Rome area from receiving Tech Hub grant awards. Despite the region’s significant presence in semiconductor and supply chain industries, it did not receive Phase 2 funding like other areas in New York.
Picente pointed out that the Utica-Rome region has over 2,000 technology jobs and numerous opportunities in quantum computing, cybersecurity, and drone research at the Griffiss Business & Technology Park. He emphasized the importance of investing in these industries to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national security. While the Biden-Harris Administration recently awarded $504 million in grants to 12 Tech Hubs across the country, the Utica-Rome area was not among the recipients.
Despite this setback, Picente remains committed to developing the region’s tech corridor with the support of New York State and other partners. One of the recipients, New York’s NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub led by the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity, focuses on semiconductor manufacturing and will receive an estimated $40 million. Picente expressed disappointment but assured the community that efforts to advance technology jobs in Oneida County would continue.