Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is encouraging all local municipalities within Genesee, Monroe, Niagara and Orleans counties to apply for Restore New York Grants. These economic revitalization grants, totaling $150 million, are now available throughout the state.

“These grants are an important opportunity for Western New York businesses and local governments to not only survive this current economic crisis, but also lay the groundwork for expansion and future success. Additionally, these monies can potentially help alleviate some of the burden of this crisis from being passed along to taxpayers, if taken advantage of by our local governments. It is vitally important that our state invest in businesses now in order to protect our future economy; I applaud Empire State Development for making these grants available,” said Hawley, who is making his district office available for assistance for businesses interested in applying for the grants.

The grants aim to encourage economic development and neighborhood growth by providing cities, towns and villages with assistance in refurbishing commercial and residential properties, including demolition, rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned and surplus properties. Previously, $300 million in Restore New York grants have been provided.

For more information regarding Restore New York grants, the application process, or for assistance, please contact Assemblyman Hawley’s district office or visit Empire State Development’s website. Applications are now available on the Empire State Development’s website at www.nylovesbiz.com/restoreny and are due by May 4, 2009.

Additionally, Empire State Development will be hosting an Information Workshop in Albany to assist municipalities with the process. The workshop will be held on February 27 at 1:00 PM in Meeting Room 6 of the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.