The awards, funded through the NYS Community Development Block Grant (NYS CDBG) and NY Main Street programs, are part of a statewide package of awards totaling more than$42 million that will be used to create and retain more than 400 jobs, and renovate nearly 1,000 units of affordable housing.

     Awards for Western New York include a NY Main Street grant of $100,000 to restore the historic Hollywood Theater in Gowanda, registered as a New York State and national historic landmark and recognized as an architectural treasure.

     Additionally, nearly $2.5 million in NYS CDBG funds have been awarded to municipalities in Alleghany, Chautauqua, Wayne and Orleans counties, which will be used to make critical infrastructure upgrades to ensure residents have access to safe drinking water.

     The entire list of awards can be found at the DHCR Web site: www.nysdhcr.gov

     Governor Paterson said “These grants will create jobs and revitalize urban business districts, and they will help rural communities make critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades. These awards bring us closer to our goal of making New York the best possible place to live, work and raise a family.”

     DHCR Commissioner Deborah Van Amerongen said “the grants awarded will help local communities and not-for-profit agencies rehabilitate more than 950 units of affordable housing and revitalize communities in every part of the state.”