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During 1994 and 1998, many
communities undertook a comprehensive strategic planning process as part of
their application for the Empowerment Zones (EZ)/ Enterprise
Communities (EC) program. Those applicants that did not receive an EZ/EC designation
were encouraged to move forward in implementing their strategic plans
and were designated as Champion Communities by USDA Rural Development . In 2000,
USDA Rural
Development entered into 5-year Memorandums of Understanding with two
communities, designating them as Champion Communities. These communities receive
set-aside funding, discretionary points in scoring applications, and direct
technical assistance from USDA Rural Development in implementing their strategic
plans.
The Chadwick Bay Region Champion Community comprises of the City of
Dunkirk, the Towns of Dunkirk, Hanover, Pomfret, Portland, Sheridan, and the
Villages of Brocton, Fredonia, and Silver Creek.
The South Central/ Southwest Steuben Champion Community
is comprised of
the Towns of Addison, Cameron, Greenwood, Jasper, Rathbone, Troupsburg, Woodhull,
and the Village of Addison.
Complete information on Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities and
Champion Communities is available at the EZ/EC Homepage or by
contacting EZ/EC/CC/TA Specialist
Margaret Evanek, (607) 257-2737,
ext.. 127.
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