Committee accepts $3 million Empire State Development award to build wastewater plant and infrastructure at Crossroads
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Summary
The Planning and Economic Development Committee voted to accept a $3,000,000 award from Empire State Development to fund construction of a wastewater package plant and related water/sewer infrastructure at the Crossroads/County Route 20 site; the grant requires a 50% local match and passed with one abstention.
Staff presented a Memorandum of Explanation seeking authorization to accept an Empire State Development funding award totaling $3,000,000 for construction of a wastewater package plant and associated water main and collection infrastructure at the future Public Works site near County Route 20 in the town of Friendship.
During discussion staff and legislators emphasized that the award requires a 50% local match and noted the county has fund balance set aside for economic development; staff estimated roughly $7.5 million available in the economic development fund balance but said appropriation into the capital budget or borrowing would be required before funds are spent. One staff member said part of the grant (approximately $1.5 million) is directly connected to the DPW building needs for wastewater and the remainder could support broader Crossroads development.
Committee members asked about whether in‑kind match was allowed; staff stated the award is cash‑based. Members also discussed bond‑funding options and the steps required before construction, including finalizing maps, plans and reports with Hunt engineers and obtaining approvals from the comptroller's office.
On a recorded voice vote the committee approved acceptance of the Empire State Development award; the motion passed with one abstention noted at the roll call.
The next procedural steps staff identified were finalizing engineering plans and returning with resolutions and comptroller submissions required to form the water/sewer district and proceed to borrowing if necessary.
