Fattah Statement on West Philadelphia's Selection as Economic "Promise Zone"

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a Senior Member on the House Appropriations Committee and lead Democrat on the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, released the following statement on the Obama administration's announcement that West Philadelphia has been selected as one of five economic "Promise Zones" in the country. As a recipient of the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation grant, Mantua was eligible to be designated a "Promise Zone" community.

"The selection of the Mantua neighborhood in West Philadelphia as one of the first three urban economic Promise Zones offers a significant chance to transform this community and lift up its 35,000 residents. As a Promise Zone community, Mantua will receive technical assistance, priority for federal grants, and potential tax incentives throughout the next decade in a comprehensive and accelerated effort to renew investment in the area, spur economic development, and create local jobs.

"This community has proven its capacity to guide revitalization efforts and I am excited to work alongside the City of Philadelphia and the Obama administration to help Mantua reach its full potential. Our work with John Fry, President of Drexel University, and with community leaders in Mantua will continue to bring resources to improve life chances for long-term residents of the community. As a result of this leadership and the Promise Zone program, Mantua has a strong future ahead.

"On the 50^th Anniversary of the War on Poverty, today's announcement reminds us that this fight is not over, and I commend the Obama administration for its sustained commitment to tackling poverty across the United States."

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah