Benham: $500K in state grants awarded for development in community
Investments part of $1.1 million in grants awarded in Allegheny Co.
Rep. Jessica Benham August 2, 2021 | 1:53 PM
State Rep. Jessica Benham today announced $500,000 in grants has been awarded in the 36th Legislative District, continuing the investment in local communities and driving economic development within the neighborhoods.
“Today’s announcement is wonderful news for our community,” Benham said. “Not only will these dollars enable the rehabilitation of structures and additional projects to fix up the streets and facades in our neighborhoods, the investments will also raise the quality of life for residents living within the targeted areas.”
The grants awarded include:
- Urban Redevelopment Authority, $300,000, Homeowner Accessibility Program for Independence.
- Urban Redevelopment Authority, $150,000, Storefront Renovation Façade Program.
- Mt. Oliver Borough, $50,000, Storefront Renovation Façade Program
Mt. Oliver Borough Manager Rick Hopkinson said the borough’s grant will fund at least 10 projects in the 100-200 blocks of Brownsville Road.
“Mt. Oliver is thrilled to be able to offer another round of facade improvement grants in partnership with DCED and the Hilltop Economic Development Corporation,” Hopkinson said. “This, coupled with the seven other facade improvements grants we have under contract from the 2020 program year, has to the potential to transform the business district through highly visible investments in such a small and targeted area.”
Awarded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program, the grants are designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities; social and economic diversity; and a strong and secure quality of life. The Keystone Communities Program allows communities to tailor the assistance to meet the needs of their specific revitalization effort.
A full list of grants awarded statewide can be found here. More information about the program is available here.