The Chenango County Youth Bureau and County Youth Board have allocated funds to programs that serve Chenango County youth. The funding amounts for each program were from $1,000 to $5,000. (Photos by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH — The Chenango County Youth Bureau and County Youth Board have allocated funds to programs that serve Chenango County youth.

“The funding amounts for each program were from $1,000 to $5,000,” said Chenango County Youth Bureau Director Kathryn Clemens. “Everyone basically got what they asked for.”

“We found out about the extra money last December and basically we doubled the budget in six months,” said Clemens.

She explained that after COVID, Governor Hochul decided it was important to promote youth physical activity and that justified the extra allocation.

She said Chenango County has a lot of youth programs and a unique situation with joint recreation agreements coinciding with schools, allowing for additional funding.

“Getting this money was wonderful,” said Clemens.

Otselic Town Supervisor Marjorie Davis said they received $2,800 and will buy baseball and soccer equipment.

“This means a lot for our kids,” said Davis. “We haven’t had this kind of money in our budget and equipment has worn out.”

She said they’ll also invest in different sizes of uniforms, depending on age, so they’ll have a variety of sizes for the youth.

“This is a real boost to our recreation program,” Davis said.

President, of Norwich Cyclones Youth Football Organization Brian Burton said, “Thankfully we received $5,000 from Chenango County Youth Bureau and will use the funds toward the purchase of new helmets.”

“Safety is very important to our organization,” said Burton. “Our helmets had reached their expiration date and couldn’t be used anymore.”