Pennsylvania DCED Approves Funding to Support Community Planning, Shared Services

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) approved 20 projects today through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to improve local emergency services and assist municipal planning that will promote community development.

"MAP funding will help communities operate more efficiently, generating significant cost savings," said DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker. "By thinking strategically and planning ahead, municipalities will be able to build for sustainability in the future."

DCED approved $506,619 in funding for 20 municipal projects throughout the state. DCED provides funding to local governments for community planning through MAP.  Funding supports multi-municipal, regional and county planning and implementation efforts. Support is available for three groups of activities: shared services, community planning, and floodplain management.

One of the projects selected for the program, Millersville Borough and Manor Township, received $25,000 in MAP funds to assist with the consolidation of four existing volunteer fire-rescue departments into the Blue Rock Fire Rescue Company. The unified company will offer more efficient coverage to the township at a reduced cost, through combined training and eliminating duplicated equipment.

The Governor's Center for Local Government Services (GCLGS), housed within DCED, aided with the project selections and oversees the MAP program. The center 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: Funded projects are listed below, by county:

Adams County

Straban Township on behalf of the Adams County Council of Governments received $6,500 in MAP funds. The council, representing 27 municipalities in Adams County, will undertake a county-wide evaluation of fire protection and EMS services.

Allegheny County

The boroughs of Etna, Millvale, and Sharpsburg received $30,000 in MAP funds to undertake a multi-municipal comprehensive plan. The plan will focus on business district revitalization, economic development and redevelopment.

Steel Valley Council of Governments -- on behalf of itself, the Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments and the Twin Rivers Council of Governments -- received $55,000 in MAP funds. The project is a comprehensive and strategic approach to confront blight and abandoned structures.

The City of Clairton received $25,200 in MAP funds to prepare an update of its zoning ordinance. The updated ordinance will encourage reuse of declining areas, promote recreation, and include mixed-use and planned development districts.

Edgewood Borough, on behalf of CONNECT (Congress of Neighboring Communities), received $30,000 in MAP funds to pay for staff services. CONNECT will continue to build upon common and shared concerns including water and sewer infrastructure, transportation, EMS funding, and other critical urban core challenges of the participating municipalities.

Blair County

Martinsburg Borough and North Woodbury Township received $19,300 in MAP funds to begin developing a comprehensive, multi-municipal plan. 

Carbon County

Towamensing and Lower Towamensing townships received $14,000 in MAP funds to update their zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances. 

Crawford County

The City of Meadville received $15,000 in MAP funds to update its comprehensive plan to address economic development, tourism, and tax base growth. 

Cumberland County

Carlisle Borough received $42,000 in MAP funds to undertake an urban redevelopment plan.

Erie County

The Erie County COG is engaged in a project designed to use web-based technologies to enable efficiencies and enhanced collaboration among the governments. The Erie COG received $30,000 in MAP funds to pay for a professional to train municipal participants and to assist in public awareness of the program.

Lancaster County

The newly formed Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department received $44,000 in MAP funds to pay for costs associated with the merger including the start-up process, and sustainability of the new regional agency. 

Millersville Borough and Manor Township received $25,000 in MAP funds to assist with the consolidation of four existing volunteer fire-rescue departments into the Blue Rock Fire Rescue. 

Northampton County

Lower Saucon Township received $10,000 in MAP funds to pay for the start-up costs of merging two volunteer fire companies in Lower Saucon Township.

The City of Easton received $25,000 in MAP funds to update its comprehensive plan. The funding will be used to hire a consultant to perform a community survey and background studies. 

Montgomery County

Upper Providence Township received $10,619 in MAP funds to pay for the start-up costs of consolidating two volunteer fire companies in Upper Providence Township.

Warren County

The Warren County Intergovernmental CO-OP received $10,000 in MAP funds to implement an ongoing internet and intranet based Public Information and Support Program for all the fire service providers in the county. The funds will be used for professional assistance, user education, training, hardware, and security.

Washington County

The newly formed Charleroi Regional Police Department received $50,000 in MAP funds to pay for the start-up costs of the new agency.

Westmoreland County

Greensburg Community Development Corp, on behalf of the City of Greensburg received $30,000 in MAP funds to draft a development plan and prepare zoning regulations for a health care district.

York County

Fairview Township received $10,000 in MAP funds to pay for the start-up costs of creating a regional fire company serving Lewisberry Borough and Fairview Township. 

Statewide

The Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities (PLCM), in conjunction with the Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Managers (APMM), received $25,000 in MAP funds to conduct training for municipal managers from all levels of municipalities in all 67 counties. PLCM's Center for Municipal Development, in cooperation with APMM's Professional Development Committee, will develop and deliver affordable, accessible, convenient, and quality training to municipal managers throughout Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development