NORWICH – The Chenango County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is exploring a significant expansion of the City of Norwich’s water district, a move aimed at paving the way for future economic development and attracting new businesses to the area.

IDA officials, still in early talks with the City of Norwich, are looking into a feasibility study to address the need for upgraded water and sewer infrastructure north of the city. While the city’s current systems are capable of meeting existing demands, the IDA says extending services beyond city limits could unlock the area’s economic potential. The plan would involve extending the existing water district to industrial areas in the towns of Norwich and North Norwich.

The IDA has proposed the Norwich water district stretch north up County Road 32 to Woods Corners, and State Route 12 north to the Warren E. Eaton Airport. It may even go north as far as Alvogen Pharma in the Town of North Norwich, about four miles from the city. The project would involve laying new pipelines to ensure adequate water supply and pressure to industrial facilities in the area. The IDA believes the project could also attract developers to a large industrial facility that was once home to several Chobani corporate offices but has been vacant since Chobani relocated offices to its plant in Columbus.