NORWICH – Citing potential economic benefits to local communities, a majority of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors threw their support behind the proposed Constitution Pipeline natural gas delivery project on Monday.
Board members passed a resolution in support of the Constitution Pipeline, despite objections from Columbus Town Supervisor Tom Grace that area residents should have more say in the matter, and more discussion should take place among county officials before passing any measure.
Grace said although towns have had public hearings that have presented arguments from those who support the project and those who oppose it, county officials should more closely scrutinize the pros and cons – whether that be at county board meetings or through committees – before adopting a resolution of support.
“Every hearing has had dozens of people on both sides, yet we have not discussed it ourselves,” said Grace. “I don’t think we have done due diligence.”
Grace added that he sees “merit” to the resolution, particularly its mention of the four delivery taps along the Constitution’s proposed route to bring natural gas to locations in Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties, and Susquehanna County in Penn., but he called for a “more balanced debate” among his colleagues.
“I’m not necessarily saying it’s a bad idea,” he added, “but I’m saying I don’t think that something that has been so controversial and so long lasting has been adequately probed by this board.”
Grace moved to have the resolution sent back to committee – a motion backed by Plymouth Supervisor Jerry Kreiner.
The Constitution Pipeline is a proposed 124-mile long natural gas pipeline originating in Susquehanna County, Penn., and terminating in the Town of Wright in Schoharie County, NY. The pipeline will connect to two existing interstate natural gas pipelines at Wright: Iroquois Gas Transmission (which extends to the NYC metropolitan area) and the Tennessee Gas Pipeline (which serves markets in New England).
Localities along the Constitution route, notably in Delaware and Chenango counties, are planning distribution from the Constitution Pipeline which proponents say will lower energy costs for homeowners and businesses in those areas.
In Chenango County, the Constitution route cuts through the towns of Bainbridge and Afton, near the I-88 corridor.
Afton Supervisor John Lawrence voiced his support of the project this week, arguing that it would provide profound opportunities to lower heating bills – and even property taxes for local residents. He noted the Afton School District’s interest in using natural gas for heat if the pipeline is built, which could save the district an estimated $70,000 per year, he said.
“That’s $60,000 to $70,000 that would not have to be paid by taxpayers. It’s an immediate savings on everyone who pays school taxes,” he added.
