Cayuga County Legislature approves $7 million bond authorization and municipal agreement for broadband project

The Cayuga County Legislature on June 24 approved a bond resolution authorizing up to $7,000,000 to finance a broadband telecommunications infrastructure project and voted to execute a municipal agreement needed for the work.

The bond resolution was adopted after extended discussion of fiscal risk and the county's financial position. A roll-call vote recorded a majority in favor and one legislator opposed. The legislature also authorized a $250,000 advance to begin permitting and coordination with utilities for the proposed route; the advance was described as recoverable from grant funds if the project proceeds. That motion passed with one vote in opposition.

Legislators who spoke during the broadband discussion described the project as an…