Five communities in Westchester are getting a big boost to their economic development plans through the county's new pilot grant program.

The Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) is awarding $1.25 million to Bedford, Dobbs Ferry, Mount Kisco, Pelham, and Port Chester.

Each of the selected communities will also receive a comprehensive market analysis, a custom strategic economic growth plan, and six months of hands-on technical support to bolster their downtowns.

"We have a very, very, very wonderful and diverse structure here in Port Chester and we're hoping that this plan, this grant will help us find a way to strengthen it and help it thrive," said Port Chester Village Manager Stuart Rabin.

The grants will help address issues like housing vacancies, business attraction/retention, parking, and walkability.

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“The unique public-private approach and forward-thinking support that each of these communities will receive are what makes the DIG program so unique and important as we continue our next phase of long-term economic development strategy," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

The county opened up the grant application process earlier this year for any community that did not previously receive a Community Development Block Grant from New York State.

This initiative is part of the Westchester County Business Financial Investments for Recovery and a Sustainable Tomorrow (FIRST) series of programs that were developed during the pandemic.

The initiatives offer financial relief to small businesses, local municipalities, and nonprofits in Westchester that were hurt during the pandemic.