NORWICH – Chenango County is one step closer to doling out $750,000 in state grant funds to help bolster home ownership across the county.

County officials have earmarked $350,000 to assist first-time homebuyers and $400,000 for the county's manufactured home replacement program, all of which will be administered by Opportunities for Chenango.

Funding is funneled through New York's Community Development Block Grant program, a $10 million statewide initiative targeted toward improving housing, economic development, public facilities, infrastructure, and planning activities.

The County Board of Supervisors called a public hearing last week to accept the two grants.

“It's obvious that our county needs this assistance and it can only improve the quality of life for first-time homebuyers and mobile home residents,” said Norwich resident Patti Giltner, one of just two people who spoke at the hearing.