Lehigh Times

Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that $8 million in funds through the Keystone Communities Program will be awarded to 51 community projects spanning 30 counties across Pennsylvania.

The Keystone Communities Program is administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), according to a release by Wolf. Since 2015, there have been $38 million in funds approved to complete 247 projects with the program. This included accessible housing, facade grants and improvements to infrastructure. The DCED website says that the program encourages partnerships being made between the private and public sector for the common goal of stabilizing the community, promoting social and economic diversity and enhancing the quality of life of the community.

“The funding provided through the Keystone Communities Program supports towns and cities with initiatives that work to create growth and stability in their neighborhoods while encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors,” Wolf said. “These projects will build stronger communities, attract new residents and businesses and boost the commonwealth’s economy.”

One example of a project is in Bucks County, where the Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County received $200,000 for accessible housing implementation. Another is in Centre County, where the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation receives $10,352 for creating a comprehensive strategic plan. In Chester County, the West Chester Business Improvement District is getting $50,000 for the West Chester Facade and Alleyway Improvement Grant Program. This is to help business owners improve existing facades.