Corbett Administration Approves Funding to Support Local Governments; Community Partnerships

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) approved eight projects today through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to improve local emergency services, assist municipal planning and support community partnerships.

"Municipalities are responsible for providing more services than ever and the costs of providing those services continue to rise," said DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker.  "MAP funding will provide critical funding for local governments and organizations that are working together and thinking strategically to improve their communities."

In total, DCED approved $158,800 in MAP funding for eight municipal projects throughout the commonwealth. The department provides funding to local governments for community planning through MAP. Funding supports multi-municipal, regional and county planning and implementation efforts across the state. Support is available for three groups of activities shared services, community planning, and floodplain management.

One of the projects selected for the program, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, was awarded a $35,000 MAP grant to help with flood mitigation and revitalization planning in Shikshinny and Hemlock Township. Both communities were impacted by the September flooding in 2011. The municipalities plan to follow as a guide its River Towns Program, addressing flood mitigation and minimization, economic revitalization and best land uses.

The Governor's Center for Local Government Services (GCLGS), housed within DCED, aided with the project selections and oversees the MAP program. GCLGS provides technical resources and assistance for municipalities, consolidation, regional efforts and also serves as a resource for local government officials, developers, and citizens interested in planning to improve, grow and enhance communities.

To learn more about MAP and other DCED programs, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media Contact:  Edward Jordan, DCED, 717-783-1132

Editors Note: Municipalities awarded funding by county:

Allegheny County
The boroughs of Brentwood and Whitehall, in partnership with the Economic Development South CDC, were awarded a $25,000 MAP grant. The funding will help create an overlay zoning district in the PA 51 corridor south of Pittsburgh. The project will improve traffic flow and promote quality development.

Beaver County
Patterson Township was awarded a $23,000 MAP grant that will help pay for a new generator at the Patterson Township Building. The building serves as the emergency operations center for Patterson and White townships, and the boroughs of Fallston and Patterson Heights.

Beaver, Butler and Venango County
The Municipal Code Association, a joint code and sewage enforcement agency formed by 23 municipalities in three counties, was awarded a $3,000 MAP grant. The association will use the MAP funds to help pay for computer and permitting software upgrades.

Cambria County
The West Hills Regional Fire Department was awarded a $3,800 MAP grant to assist with the consolidation of the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company. The newly-consolidated company will serve Ferndale, Westmont, and Brownstown boroughs. The funds will be used for re-lettering and new uniforms.

Columbia and Luzerne County
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership was awarded a $35,000 MAP grant to assist with flood mitigation and revitalization planning in two communities impacted by the September 2011 floods. The partnership will implement its plan to minimize flooding and introduce economic revitalization in Shikshinny and Hemlock Township.

Indiana County
Indiana County has partnered with Indiana Borough, White Township and Indiana University of Pennsylvania to prepare a plan for a new student district within the two municipalities. Indiana County was awarded $26,300 MAP grant in partnership with the municipalities and university for the project.

York County
Penn Township and Hanover Borough was awarded a $35,000 MAP grant to help pay for the cost of the joint fire chief position created to serve the two municipalities. The new position, created in 2011, has promoted additional cooperation and cost savings in fire services for the two communities.

The York Area Regional Police Department was awarded a $7,500 MAP grant. The department will use the funds to implement operating efficiencies within the department reducing costs and increasing productivity.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development