Erie County Times

Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) has been approved for $35,970,850 to fund 213 community revitalization projects across Pennsylvania.

The focus of the projects is to help low-income neighborhoods and areas of distress, while also assisting with COVID-19 and social justice issues, according to a Nov. 3 release from the governor’s office.

“Pennsylvania’s communities are the foundation of our economic success,” Wolf said. “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.”

Those in the private sector are urged to invest in the projects, the release stated, and they will receive tax credits as incentives to donate capital to support communities in need. This can be used for projects including affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training, food access, special population issues, veteran’s initiatives, and long-term community revitalization.

There are 21 community investments in the northwest region including one in Erie County for a 10,000 square-foot athletic center, according to the release. This center will be for a variety of athletic programs and be the home of the Police Athletic League. The league involves tutoring and mentoring children and teenagers through sports and recreational activities. It also helps build the relationship between police and youth in the community.

In the Lehigh Valley region, there were 22 community investments that 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 also be a wholesale distribution warehouse and manufacturing facility for fresh dough discs that will create 120 full-time jobs.

In the southeast region, there are 56 community investments. This includes one in Delaware County for improving the exterior of 14 homes in the West-End Community Initiative neighborhoods in Chester City. The priority for this project is for eligible property owners who don’t have the financial means to make minor repairs on their homes’ exteriors, according to the release.

There were 29 community investments in the central region, including a project in Lycoming County for shelter 1,400 people per year. Clean water will be provided to residents with these provided funds.

In the northeast region there are 27 community investments, with one being in Lackawanna County to help with recovery for veterans, first responders and Gold Star families with post-traumatic stress disorder. This includes outdoor activities and nature-based therapy, as well as peer-to-peer interactions.

In the southwest region there are 58 community investments, and one project is in Somerset County to support expansion at a childcare center. This will double the size of the childcare center and add 27 new jobs, according to the release.