The Tioga County Legislature held a special meeting Thursday to vote on the future of Waverly, vehicle access to Tioga Downs and bringing electric and natural gas vehicles to the county.
The legislature voted to apply for funding that would revitalize part of downtown Waverly, specifically the building at 150 Broad St, which houses nine commercial units. County officials said they are asking for about $130,000 from the Rural Area Revitalization Project, which is a state-run housing and community improvement program. The program would be in addition to the New York Main Street program.
The legislature also agreed to apply for a state economic development grant to study adding a highway exit off Route 17, that would take traffic directly to Tioga Downs in Nichols. The racino has plans for a major expansion, including a hotel, events center and parking garage, and is a potential site for a future casino. The study costs $75,000. If the grant is approved, the county would have to pay a local share of 10 percent, or $7,500.
Finally, the county decided it wants to buy three electric cars and install three charging stations. The county legislature agreed to apply for a state grant. If it’s awarded, the county’s Department of Social Services would use the cars. They would charge up at the Tioga County Health and Human services building on Route 38. The legislature also voted to apply for a grant that would fund three natural gas trucks for the county highway department, as well as a compressed natural gas fueling station. The county is applying for the grants through the Southern Tier’s Regional Economic Development Council.
