Franklin County commits local share to Houndsville Road federal-aid project, appropriates $256,000

Franklin County legislators on Sept. 17 approved a resolution to advance the Houndsville Road over Trout River project (PIN 775397) by committing county funds and authorizing necessary agreements with the New York State Department of Transportation.

Resolution No. 196 states the project is eligible under Title 23 U.S. Code for federal aid, with an expected cost-sharing ratio of 80% federal and 20% local (Marchiselli) funds. The Legislature appropriated $256,000 to cover the county's portion of preliminary engineering and right-of-way incidentals and authorized the Highway Superintendent to execute agreements, certifications and reimbursement requests with NYSDOT.

The resolution further directs the county to convene the Board should the full federal and non-federal share exceed the appropriated amount so the Legislature can immediately appropriate additional funds upon notification by the Highway Superintendent. Chairman Donald Dabiew requested a roll call for the resolution; Clerk Penny A. Premo reported all members present voted in the affirmative.

Why it matters: The county's appropriation and formal authorization to execute agreements allow the federally aided project to advance through preliminary engineering and right-of-way phases. The resolution establishes a clear funding commitment and delegate authority to the Highway Superintendent for administrative project actions.

The resolution takes effect immediately and was adopted unanimously; the transcript does not disclose the project's total estimated cost.