NORWICH – If approved by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, half a million dollars will be up for grabs for homeowners in need of making repairs for the sake of human health and safety.

The Chenango County Planning Department, working in conjunction with Opportunities for Chenango, is slated for a $500,000 Community Block Grant through the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal. Money will be allocated to income-eligible homeowners in need of making vital home improvements.

According to Planning Department Director Shane Butler, the Chenango County Housing Rehabilitation Program will help a minimum of 16 low-income owner-occupied households correct serious threats to health and safety.

Ideal projects include installation and repair of septic systems, lead paint remediation, roof repair, addressing rot in and around the home, updating electric fixtures, and ensuring a clean water supply.

“There will be some guidelines,” said Butler, citing a $25,000 maximum allotment per project. “A lot of it is making sure that investments are good. If it's a house that will invest $20,000 but it needs $80,000 of work to make it worth while, then it probably won't be a good project.”