Two Finger Lakes communities will benefit from new state funding aimed at helping local governments cut costs and improve efficiency.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on October 31 that Montour Falls and Tompkins County are among 21 recipients of Local Government Efficiency Grants, a competitive program run by the New York State Department of State. The program is designed to encourage municipalities to collaborate on shared services and long-term savings for taxpayers.
The Village of Montour Falls was awarded $32,120, while Tompkins County received $324,000 to support implementation of local efficiency initiatives. Both projects are part of a broader $8 million package distributed across the state.
“These municipalities are joining forces, looking at opportunities to lower costs and ultimately save taxpayers money,” Governor Hochul said. “We will continue to work together and support measures that result in streamlined services.”
The grants support projects that involve everything from water system improvements and emergency services coordination to information technology and planning efforts. Tompkins County’s project was recognized for its scale and potential savings, while Montour Falls’ award reflects targeted work within village operations.
Walter T. Mosley, New York’s Secretary of State, praised the grants for helping local governments solve problems together. “Under the Governor’s leadership, this new round of funding will help local governments address both current and emerging challenges,” he said.
Montour Falls and Tompkins County were two of only three projects funded in the entire Southern Tier region, highlighting the state’s commitment to boosting regional collaboration outside of major metro areas.
The grants are reimbursement-based and can be used for implementation costs such as consultant services, equipment, and short-term personnel support. The state will issue a new round of grant applications in the coming weeks.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].