Westchester County has passed legislation to encourage veteran-owned businesses in the area.

The SDVOB measure was passed unanimously by the Westchester County Board of Legislators Monday.

The measure was proposed by Legislator Margaret Cunzio, of Mount Pleasant. It requires county departments and offices to encourage the participation in contracts of service-disabled veteran-owned businesses that have been certified by New York state.

There are only 15 veteran-owned businesses currently in Westchester. The goal is to see that number go up with the new law in place.

County Executive George Latimer supports the measure and is expected to sign it into law.