CORNING – A natural gas public utility has acquired franchises to service at least two businesses in neighboring Delaware County and has plans for future municipal and corporate agreements in southern Chenango.

The pipeline system, built by Leatherstocking Gas LLC, would be the first in over 50 years to deliver natural gas to the region. It would span about 15 miles and connect with both existing and planned natural gas wells, according to Corning Natural Gas President and Chief Executive Office Mike German. The Corning-based company recently partnered with Mirabito Holding Inc. of Binghamton to form Leatherstocking Gas.

An agreement to provide delivery to Sidney was accepted by the village board and is currently under New York’s Public Service Commission review. German said MeadWestvaco and Amphenol have expressed interest in acquiring the energy source, and plans include servicing Sidney’s schools, garages and other municipal buildings.

Public utilities use right-of-ways on the sides of roads, negotiate easements with landowners or invoke eminent domain when necessary to build infrastructure. Public hearings of Leatherstocking Gas LLC permits to franchise are set for June 8 in the Town of Coventry and June 14 in the Town of Bainbridge.

German said his company “would not rule out” providing delivery of natural gas to businesses in the Town of Greene or other areas in the future.