AUBURN -- In a move to retain about 200 manufacturing jobs in Cayuga County, legislators unanimously approved a bill Tuesday night endorsing a facility upgrade to the Town of Sennett's Owens-Brockway Glass Container.

"The facility needs to make a significant upgrade. This makes it economically feasible and will keep the jobs in town," said Legislator Dan Schuster, D-Auburn.

Since September, the Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency has been working with the company's request to undertake a project at the facility's County House Road plant consisting principally of two furnaces used by the company to produce glass containers.

Until the upgrades are completed the agency will take title to the facility and then later sell or sublease such interests back to the facility, according to the resolution presented Tuesday night.

"We're trying to work out an agreement that will enable them (Owens-Brockway) to make the investment to expand furnaces," Schuster said. "This will allow them to continue production."

Legislators voted 13-0 to approve a project that entails the ownership of more than 220 acres of land, a minimum capital investment of more than $20 million, and the retention of more than 200 manufacturing jobs in Cayuga County. The project includes the renovation and reconstruction of the existing containers and its support systems.

According to the bill presented during the special Legislature meeting, the company is under significant cost pressures impacting the feasibility of undertaking the project and retaining local manufacturing jobs.

By authorizing the bill, legislators also authorize the agency to offer the company a payment in lieu of tax agreement for up to 20 years.

Schuster said the payment in lieu of tax agreement allows the company to make a sizable investment on the property.

For more, read Wednesday's edition of The Citizen.