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Engineer outlines map-and-plan for proposed sewer district around Eagle/Cuba Lake; county role limited to approvals and potential funding support
Summary
MRD Group described a map-and-plan study for a sewer district stretching from the village of Aurora along the east side of the lake to Tompkins County Drive, covering about 450 properties. The map-and-plan will support grant applications and, if chosen, a future county action to form a district and seek construction funding.
John LaBorga of MRD Group told the Cayuga County Legislature he and the Cuba County Water and Sewer Authority hired MRD late in 2024 to prepare a map-and-plan for a sewer district intended to protect Eagle/Cuba Lake and to design a sewer collection system for roughly 450 properties along the proposed corridor.
LaBorga said the map-and-plan will show system layout, needed pump stations and a preliminary cost estimate; the report can be used to apply for state funding and to inform the Legislature if and when the authority asks the county to form a sewer district. He said the district — if formed — would likely be a county sanitary district but that formation and construction are separate steps: the map-and-plan supports grant applications and the Legislature would later decide whether to form the district.
Why it matters: Forming a sewer district could require a capital investment by property owners or the county, depending on the funding mix; the presentation said grant money would substantially reduce direct costs to residents if awarded. LaBorga said the engineering report and preliminary design could be completed this year to be ready for a 2026 funding cycle if the county and towns are prepared.
Key details presented: LaBorga described the district boundaries roughly from the village of Aurora down the east side of the lake to Tompkins County Drive and estimated about 450 properties inside the proposed district. He said the map-and-plan will set the projected construction cost and that the county’s role is to approve the map-and-plan and later choose whether to form a district; he noted formation can proceed with or without an earlier vote by residents (permissive vs. mandatory referendum) depending on the legal path chosen and applicable law.
Local reaction and next steps: Legislators asked whether having the map-and-plan would strengthen grant applications; LaBorga said a completed engineering plan is critical for competitive grant applications and that forming the district before receiving construction funding is not required. He said MRD will continue to meet with town boards, the authority and county staff as the design and costs are refined.
Ending: MRD will provide updates to the Legislature and towns as the map-and-plan is completed; the next steps are cost refinement and developing a funding strategy for possible grant submissions.
