New York state is spending $1.2 million in St. Lawrence County to help rehabilitate housing and septic system for low- and moderate-income residents, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal is granting $400,000 to St. Lawrence County to replace and repair 35 substandard septic systems.

The village of Massena is getting $400,000 to rehabilitate 15 aging housing units and the town of Potsdam is getting the same amount to rehabilitate nine aging housing units.

The funds come from three sources: the NYS Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Program, Access to Home, and RESTORE.

The federally funded CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible counties, cities, towns, and villages to help develop viable communities by providing decent affordable housing and expanding economic opportunities. The grants are awarded through the Housing Trust Fund Corporation, according to Cuomo

The second program, Access to Home, provides financial assistance to homeowners and rental property owners through municipalities and not-for-profit organizations serving as local program administrators, with the goal of making dwelling units accessible for low- and moderate-income persons with disabilities, Cuomo said.

The RESTORE (Residential Emergency Services to Offer Repairs to the Elderly) Program awards funds through municipalities and not-for profit organizations serving as local program administrators. It pays for the cost of emergency repairs that eliminate hazardous conditions in homes owned by the elderly who are unable to afford to make repairs in a timely manner, according to Cuomo.