Southern Tier Counties to Receive $36 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades

News Summary

The County Infrastructure Grant Program will allocate over $36 million to enhance infrastructure in New York, benefiting 48 projects statewide. This funding aims to support small- and medium-sized counties in upgrading essential systems like public water and sewer. Notably, Tompkins County will receive $1 million for the Southworks Project, which will contribute to the construction of 2,750 new homes. The funding highlights the importance of infrastructure in fostering community growth and improving residents’ quality of life across Southern Tier counties.

Southern Tier Counties to Receive Over $36 Million in State Grants for Infrastructure Upgrades

On July 2, it was announced that over $36 million is being allocated to improve infrastructure across New York state as part of the County Infrastructure Grant Program. This funding, which benefits 48 projects statewide, is aimed at aiding small- and medium-sized counties in their infrastructure enhancement efforts.

The County Infrastructure Grant Program, managed by Empire State Development, focuses on initiatives that not only aim to boost local economic vitality but also enhance the overall competitiveness and growth of the state’s economic landscape. This initiative aligns with the current housing agenda, emphasizing the critical role infrastructure plays in strengthening communities and fostering family unity.

Several counties in the Southern Tier are set to gain significantly from this funding, which is directed toward crucial areas such as public water and sewer systems, as well as various other infrastructure upgrades. With this financial support, counties are expected to address pressing community needs that would otherwise go unmet.

Impact on Housing Development

The grants awarded across the state will support the construction of over 2,750 new homes. In Tompkins County, for instance, $1 million has been allocated to the Southworks Project, part of a total of $5.5 million designated for six specific projects in the Southern Tier region.

The Southworks Project, planned on a former industrial site of the Emerson Power Transmission plant covering 95 acres on South Aurora Street, aims to be a multipurpose development. The grant funding will facilitate the building of essential infrastructure such as public roads, a roundabout, sidewalks, curbs, and a public water distribution system, inclusive of fire hydrants. Additionally, the development will include sewer laterals and stormwater management systems.

As part of its goals, the Southworks Project anticipates contributing to the construction of 100 of the planned 450 residential units. The project has received commendations from local officials and has been approved to advance in phases, which began in December 2022.

Additional Funding for Community Improvements

In a related development, Cattaraugus County has been granted $7 million from federal sources to complete the Southern Tier Trail. This project is expected to improve outdoor tourism and stimulate economic growth in rural communities. The funding for this trail comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, emphasizing enhancing access to outdoor resources while promoting active transportation options.

Despite setbacks, such as Ithaca’s inability to secure the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant, the community is actively seeking alternative funding sources to facilitate improvements. The Village of Dryden, for example, has successfully received a $4.5 million grant through the New York Forward program, which focuses on revitalization efforts in smaller communities.

Looking Ahead

The initiatives backed by the County Infrastructure Grant Program exemplify a broader strategy to propel economic growth via community development and infrastructure enhancements. As funding flows into the Southern Tier and beyond, local leaders and residents alike look forward to the potential benefits such as improved housing, enhanced community resources, and stronger local economies.

In summary, the substantial funding awarded through this grant program presents a significant opportunity for transformation in infrastructure across Southern Tier counties, promoting growth, and enhancing quality of life for residents.

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