Keystone Today

The Department of Community and Economic Development recently approved funding for nine projects through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) amounting to $235,500 to help local governments with zoning and plan revisions.

Eight counties across the state would benefit from the funds, Gov. Tom Wolf's office said in a release. The MAP funds will help governments efficiently plan for municipal projects involving shared services and community planning.

"Communities must continue to evolve as the needs of their residents change," Wolf said in the release. "It is important for counties, townships, and boroughs to meet these needs through the reevaluation of zoning and comprehensive plans. This MAP funding is essential to help communities pave the way to the future."

In Adams County, $10,000 will go to the Cumberland Township for professional services for a comprehensive zoning rewrite initiative's final stages, Wolf's office said.

In Allegheny County, the Ohio Township and Franklin Park Borough will receive $49,500 for updating a joint comprehensive plan, which is intended to be a guidebook for subsequent policies and decisions, Wolf's office said.

In Bradford County, $19,000 will be awarded to Towanda Borough, Towanda Township and North Towanda Township to revise the Central Bradford Region Comprehensive Plan from 2008, Wolf's office said. These revisions take into account changes over the past 10 years regarding the natural gas industry's effects on Bradford County's economy.

In Bucks County, $17,500 will go to the Haycock Township to revise a zoning ordinance that has not been changed since 1994, Wolf's office said. Another $7,500 will go to Silverdale Borough to create a comprehensive plan to address how the community can make the most from the amount of traffic through the area and create a destination for motorists traveling on Route 113.

In Butler County, $30,000 will go to Cranberry Township to run a commercial core redevelopment study, Wolf's office said.

In Clearfield County, $15,000 will go to Curwensville Borough to revise the existing comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance with a priority on pedestrian and biking connections between communities, sidewalks, and stormwater management, Wolf's office said.

In Lycoming County, $50,000 is being awarded to revise zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances, Wolf's office said.

In Venango County, $37,000 will go toward revising the county's comprehensive plan from 2004, Wolf's office said. The update will prioritize involvement from the community and quality of life.