CHENANGO COUNTY – County lawmakers have given the nod to economic development officials who wish to proceed with seeking $1.5 million in state funding for two projects they believe will bring jobs and increased prosperity to the area.

“A municipality has to apply on behalf of the business,” explained Development Chenango Executive Director Maureen Carpenter, explaining the county’s role in securing funding for the projects through the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal.

On Wednesday, Carpenter approached Chenango County’s Planning and Economic Development Committee for permission to begin the application process for two CDBG grants, each in the amount of $750,000.

The first, according to the chamber executive, will benefit the Raymond Corporation, headquartered in Greene. The other, will aid a local company in the acquisition of the Woods Corners facility being vacated in the coming months by Procter & Gamble.

Both projects, she explained, are in keeping with the philosophy behind the grant program. According to the OCR website, the goal of the CDBG program is to “to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.”

Counties with populations under 200,000 and other municipalities with populations under 50,000 are eligible to receive financial assistance through the state level program, which is funded federally by an allocation from Housing and Urban Development.