OWEGO, NY (607NewsNow) – Tioga County is getting $1 million in state funding.

On July 7, County Administrator Jackson Bailey and Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey acknowledged the infrastructure grant but added that plans are not yet set in stone.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, which announced the award on July 2, the money will be used to demolish two vacant buildings on Main Street in Owego. The county would then conduct municipal water, sewer line, and parking lot improvements at the site, which would allow for the future construction of a consolidated county office building.

Additionally, program funds would be used for improvements at the current county office building that would enable the sale to a developer who intends to create housing units at the site.

However, county officials say, “It is important for the public to understand that the project is still in the early stages of planning and acquisition.” County personnel are “actively engaged in due diligence, including evaluating potential opportunities, and outlining future steps to ensure that any investment is responsible, sustainable, and aligned with the best interest of Tioga County residents.”

“The Legislature and County Administrator are committed to responsible planning and transparency,” said Legislative Chair Sauerbrey. “We are taking a thoughtful and measured approach to ensure that any proposed project is fiscally responsible, strategically beneficial, and in the best interest of the public.”

Six projects across the Southern Tier received a total of $5.5 million in funding during this round of New York’s County Infrastructure Grant Program.

In Tompkins County, a $1 million award will aid the Southworks Project in Ithaca. You can read more about it here.