The Dauphin County Commissioners awarded on Feb. 20 approximately $6.3 million in funding for more than 80 community projects from the county’s share of gaming revenue generated from Hollywood Casino at Penn National in East Hanover Township, Pa.
“These projects have a direct, positive impact on our communities, from helping veterans find affordable housing and access to medical care to new radios for police and other equipment for first responders,’’ Jeff Haste, chair of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners, said. “Without these grants, townships would either have to delay work or raise local taxes.’’
The projects are expected to attract nearly $22.8 million in additional investment and create or retain more than 10,600 permanent or construction jobs.
“The majority of these projects create jobs and further investment and make our county more attractive to companies looking to either expand or relocate to our area,’’ Commissioner Mike Pries, who oversees the county’s Department of Community and Economic Development, said. “When we improve our roads, bridges and other vital infrastructure, we send a message to employers that Dauphin County is a great place to do business and offers an excellent quality of life for their workers.’’
The Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board (GAB) initially reviews project requests and also monitors ongoing work to ensure the funding is used as intended.
Under state law, the county must use the grant funds for projects that help human services, improve local infrastructure, enhance transportation, address health and safety needs, assist with emergency services, or further public interest initiatives.
“Our goal is to use the money where it will do the most good,” Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said. “Affordable housing, help for agencies providing care to our most vulnerable residents, job training, equipment for first responders – all of these projects fill vital needs.”