NORWICH – Two county agencies vying to take advantage of a $600,000 federal Housing and Urban Development Small Cities Grant opportunity have decided to halve their applications.

The agreement was made during a meeting of Chenango County’s Planning and Economic Development Committee Tuesday. Opportunities for Chenango and the Chamber of Commerce will split the annual, competitive HUD grant. OFC will apply for another well and septic development project; the Chamber’s application is directed toward small businesses with five or less employees.

Both applications will be finalized and public hearings scheduled over the next couple of months, Clerk of the Board RC Woodford said.

Chenango County has been awarded several HUD Small Cities Grants in the past for well and septic projects, homeownership plans and business development. Planners received the full $600,000 in 2001 for a homeownership project and $400,000 for a well and septic project in 2003. Both brought development to locations throughout the county.