DCED Rules on Harrisburg's Act 47 Motions, Continues Public Hearing

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will hear further testimony at a Nov. 17 public hearing regarding the City of Harrisburg's request to be designated as "financially distressed" under Act 47, the agency said today.

The continuation of the public hearing is one of several rulings issued today by DCED on motions proposed by a citizens group over the city's application for an Act 47 designation.

The official order, including the additional rulings, is available at www.newpa.com by searching keyword "Act 47" and clicking on the link titled "Municipalities Financial Recovery Act of 1987," or at this link: http://newpa.com/get-local-gov-support/technical-assistance/request-assistance/act-47/index.aspx.

DCED also has engaged a fiscal consultant to coordinate its efforts to assist the city in addressing its immediate financial challenges, even prior to formal action on the Act 47 request. Robert O'Donnell, of O'Donnell Associates, will immediately begin work with DCED and will provide assistance to the mayor, city council, other city officials and other stakeholders to identify options and achieve consensus on actions to relieve Harrisburg's financial difficulties.

O'Donnell, a former speaker of the Pennsylvania House, is an attorney with a multi-state practice in government relations and public finance. His clients have included numerous government entities, public pension funds, municipal bond insurers, and private corporations.

The continued public hearing will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Harrisburg Government Center, 10 N. Second St., Harrisburg. Individuals requiring special accommodations to attend the hearing should contact DCED at least five days prior to the hearing.

After that hearing, DCED Secretary Austin Burke will review the entire record and will rule on Harrisburg's request for Act 47 designation.

For more information on the hearing, contact Fred A. Reddig, 1-888-223-6837, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120. For more information on Act 47, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Jamie Yates, 717-783-1132 or 717-856-7301 (cell).

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development