The Keystone Communities program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, recently awarded more than $5 million in funding to 42 community revitalization projects throughout the state.
“These projects will better the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians through infrastructure, beautification, and quality of life improvements in cities and towns across Pennsylvania,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “These projects complement the priorities set forth by the administration to improve infrastructure and communities across the commonwealth, but pales in comparison to the improvements that could be made through Restore Pennsylvania.”
Restore Pennsylvania is a $4.5 billion bipartisan proposal funded through a severance tax intended to address infrastructure needs and bolster community improvement efforts.
Funding awards range from $10,000 to $500,000.
The $500,000 award was given to Bellefonte in Centre County for the rehabilitation of the Gamble Mill building.
The Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority was awarded $388,500 for the first phase of a construction project that will demolish a blighted former school building and replace it with a duplex housing unit.
Downtown Bedford in Bedford County was awarded a $350,000 grant-to-loan to renovate a historic vacant building.
The Keystone Communities program has funded more than $27 million in projects since 2015.