Keystone Today

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) recently revealed that nearly $36 million will fund 213 community revitalization projects in Pennsylvania.

The money was approved through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), according to a news release from the governor's office. The program is focused on community participation and collaboration among nonprofit agencies, businesses, and residents in areas of low income. Priority was given to projects related to social justice, improved opportunities for marginalized populations, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Pennsylvania's communities are the foundation of our economic success," Wolf said in the news release. "The Neighborhood Assistance Program encourages businesses to make impactful investments in worthy projects across the commonwealth, helping to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. The rewards we can provide through tax credits in this important program advance and improve communities and ensure Pennsylvania remains the best place to live, work, and play."

The goal of the NAP is to help distressed communities by urging members of the private sector to invest in projects that address critical issues, the news release noted. Tax credits are provided for businesses that donate toward projects that help with problems in the community. This includes projects for affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training, food access, special population issues, blight, veterans' initiatives, and long-term community revitalization.

The funds will support 29 community investments in the central region of the state, according to the news release. This includes a project in Lycoming County for shelter services for approximately 1,400 people per year. 

There are 22 community investments in the Lehigh Valley region. This includes a project in Berks County to help a minority-owned business take a rundown property in Reading and turn it into a spot for fresh produce, meats, and a deli. The project will feature a wholesale distribution warehouse and manufacturing facility for fresh dough and a dining facility that will create 120 full-time jobs.

There are 27 community investments in the northeast region. This includes a project in Lackawanna County to help with recovery for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star family members with PTSD.

There are 21 community investments in the northwest region. This includes a project in Erie County for construction of a 10,000-square-foot athletic center for youth. The center will feature various athletic programs and could become the home of the Police Athletic League.

There are 56 community investments in the southeast region. This includes a project in Delaware County focused on improving the exterior of 14 homes in neighborhoods in Chester.

There are 58 community investments in the southwest region. This includes a project in Somerset County to support expansion of a childcare center, which will create 27 new jobs.

Approximately $212 million in tax credits were provided during the Wolf administration, according to the news release. Through NAP, these funds supported 1,361 projects statewide.