MASSENA -- The village will spend $45,000 to hire a grant writer while the town funds the village’s share of the Business Development Corporation, the two bodies decided on Monday night.

The town will use $15,000 in casino compact money to pay the village’s BDC bill.

Currier is proposing that the grant writer’s efforts also include the Chamber of Commerce. He believes the new plan should be a regional approach.

“Getting the chamber to work in partnership and collaboratively on a regional effort will strengthen the ability to meet their mission and undoubtedly grow their resources,” Currier said via email.

Currier said the board in the near future will issue a request for proposal and hire a firm.

The grant writers will meet with the mayor and other town and village heads to figure out priority projects.

“On a proactive basis and at our request, the firm will provide written detailed summaries of potential funding opportunities,” Currier said.

He hopes that the grant writers will get involved with local and regional coalitions, advocate throughout the grant application process and conduct outreach campaigns.