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.”