Grants will create and retain 695 jobs

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The approval of $4.2 million in Community Development Block Grant Economic Development awards, announced this week by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, will benefit businesses across the state, ranging from small microenterprises to larger industrial companies.

The federally-funded CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible counties, cities, towns and villages by providing decent affordable housing and expanding economic opportunities.

The state’s 15 grants, awarded through the Housing Trust Fund Corporation, one of the agencies integrated into New York State Homes and Community Renewal, will leverage a return of nearly $64 million in private investment.

The awards are part of an application process begun in May at HCR. Future CDBG awards will be made through a performance-based, community driven approach under the aegis of the regional councils.

Regional awards include:

Western New York: A $200,000 award to establish the city of Lockport Downtown Microenterprise Program to assist 17 existing and start-up and create 25 full time jobs, 19 of which will be available to low- and moderate- income individuals.

Finger Lakes: A $110,000 award to Wyoming County to assist in the expansion of Upstate Door Inc. The project has also received an $82,000 grant from ESDC.