NORWICH – President Barack Obama’s proposal to cut funding for community action groups across the nation hit home this week as the director of 10 groups warned a county committee of the fallout for Chenango County.

Wayne Viera, executive director of Opportunities for Chenango, said an accounting to the federal grant that funds community development programs from 2000 to 2010 translates into $96.8 million in investments for the residents, homes and businesses of Chenango County.

“That creates jobs, promotes goods and services purchases from local businesses and helps sustain the economy,” he said.

Viera distributed a pamphlet that outlined the following programs and the investments they have made in Chenango County over the past decade:

Early/Preschool Head Start - $10.6 million;

Keys to Success - $350,226

First Time Homebuyer Program - $15 million;

Energy Conservation Programs - $9 million;