MCKEESPORT – Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell Monday presented the City of McKeesport with more than $4.4 million to continue revitalization efforts in a four-block area of its central business district, saying the improvements will spark future economic growth and create new opportunities for the local residents.
“After years of neglect, we’ve worked hard over the last four years to bring much-needed investments to the commonwealth’s older communities,” said Rendell. “We’ve used our resources to promote high-impact projects that are breathing new life into our downtowns. It’s an innovative approach that has translated into a better quality of life for our citizens with new opportunities.
“McKeesport highlights this philosophy in action. Working together, the state’s Community Action Team and city officials identified this four-block
section of the business district as an area where state resources could leverage additional investment, sparking future growth. It’s an approach
we’ve used across Pennsylvania with great results.
“Last week, we learned that Pennsylvania set another record job count at 5,771,600, putting our unemployment rate at 4.3 percent – the lowest in six years and below the national average. This is great news for our working men and women, and showcases the positive role state government can play when it’s willing to invest in its communities, companies and people.”
Rendell said the state’s $4,447,345 funding package will support a series of projects that include renovations to downtown buildings, infrastructure upgrades, improvements to community parks and services, and streetscape work.
The state funds will attract additional investments from private, local, county and federal sources that will total more than $10.1 million
for the downtown and neighborhood areas.
Monday’s announcement includes:
— A $1,784,775 PENNVEST loan for a sewer line project in the Christy Park neighborhood;
— $1,225,000 in DCED Housing and Redevelopment Assistance Program funding to redevelop the Midtown Plaza, City Hall, and abandoned properties throughout the community;
— $929,000 in PennDOT Hometown Streets Program funding for streetscape work on Fifth Avenue, including upgrades to the sidewalks, ramps for people with disabilities, signs and light poles;
— $215,000 in DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants for upgrades to two urban parks;
— $120,000 in DCED Elm Street funding to assist with the revitalization of the Christy Park neighborhood;
— $98,570 in DCED Enterprise Zone Tax Credits for the new Sky Bank branch building; and
— $75,000 in DCED Community Services Block Grants to help the McKeesport Hospital Foundation continue providing community services to city
residents.
Currently, 49 CAT projects have been identified throughout the commonwealth that are in various stages of planning and development.
