Luke Parsnow is reporting for New York State of Politics $78 million in federal funds are now available for New York communities to use in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office announced December 29. The money comes from the Community Development Block Grant, a part of the CARES Act passed by Congress in early 2021. The federal program, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, is now accepting applications to help eligible communities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Three recently approved awards will provide $2.8 million for upgrades at senior centers in the town of Somers in Westchester County, the town of Tonawanda in Erie County and the town of Pittsford in Monroe County. Hochul said in a statement, "Mayors, communities, and nonprofits tell us your vision, tell us where you believe the vulnerabilities are greatest in your communities, wherever you think you need the extra help. These additional funds will help, and we will get through this together." Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.