Council of Governments - March 26, 2026

The Tompkins County Council of Governments meeting held on March 26, 2026, focused primarily on updates related to regional broadband infrastructure projects and emergency medical services (EMS) reform. Key procurement-related discussions included the progress of the Dryden Fiber broadband expansion project, which has secured approximately $1.7 million in grant funding to date and recently received an additional $9 million in 2024 and $1.6 million in 2025 for further buildout. The project aims to provide fiber optic internet to all households in Dryden and Caroline, with significant local job creation and economic impact highlighted. Additionally, the Community Broadband Networks (CBN) presented their plans to deploy fixed wireless and fiber services in Tompkins County, supported by federal BEAD and AHCP grants totaling around $2 million, targeting underserved and low-income residents with affordable internet options. The meeting also covered the county's efforts to apply for a certificate of need to regulate EMS providers and potentially expand services, with legislative resolutions underway and discussions about funding mechanisms including taxing districts. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were detailed, but the broadband projects involve open bidding and state contractor sites for construction work. The council encouraged formation of additional working groups to address regional challenges such as housing affordability and emergency preparedness.