POTSDAM — The town hopes to expand water and sewer lines up Route 56 to attract new businesses and make up for missed opportunities.

Plans for a hotel and a large housing complex on Route 56 fell through several years ago, in part because of the lack of water and sewer services, according to town Supervisor Marie C. Regan. The town commissioned a study to see how much it would cost to extend water lines, but the project fell by the wayside when planning for the new town hall began. With construction work drawing to a close, the town board agreed Tuesday to begin looking into the topic again.

“Both buildings are pretty much done now, so we are able to start a new project,” Ms. Regan said.

A portion of Route 56, known as Outer Market St., is within the village of Potsdam. The area outside the village has been a source of contention between the two municipalities, causing several debates over annexation over the last several years. The village, which provides water services to properties within its boundaries, used the town’s lack of such services as an argument in favor of annexation.

Tisdel Associates will provide the town with an estimate of the project’s cost by the end of the week.

Town officials will begin to pursue grants to fund the water and sewer line extension. However, since well water is already available the town’s needs may not be seen as a priority, Ms. Regan said.

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