The U.S. Senate recently passed a federal spending bill for Fiscal Year 2022, including $81.6 million for 63 community projects across Pennsylvania.
Projects include expanding health care, critical infrastructure and resilience, workforce development, and community revitalization.
“Pennsylvania will receive tens of millions of dollars for community projects across the commonwealth, from infrastructure improvements and conservation programs to investments in education and job training,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) said. “This bill improves the lives of Pennsylvanians by lowering costs for middle-class families, creating jobs and opportunities to build a better future, and investing in communities often forgotten.”
The federal spending bill also included funding for jobs and economic development.
The Economic Development Administration will provide funding for projects that create jobs and support communities as they adjust to economic change.
The Minority Business Development Agency will fund minority-owned businesses.
Funding will increase for the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Funding will increase for Rural Business programs. Business and Industry loans will see the largest increase, assisting businesses in rural areas with loans to ensure they continue to thrive.
Funding will increase for Registered Apprenticeship programs. These programs provide community college training grants for in-demand jobs and career and technical education.