Governor Wolf announced Tuesday the approval of nearly $36 million to assist to 220 community revitalization projects across the commonwealth. The funding comes from the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and it is designed to support nonprofits, businesses, and resident projects in distressed areas or low-income neighborhoods.
According to a press reléase from the Official Pennsylvania Government website, the program also provides for COVID-19 and social justice related assistance. A special emphasis was placed upon projects that sought to address critical issues related to the pandemic, its aftermath and recovery, social justice and support for policy-changing movements, and improving opportunities for marginalized populations.
“Communities from every corner of Pennsylvania will benefit from this funding, the result of public-private partnerships and cooperation,” said Gov. Wolf. “We are pleased to continue supporting NAP applicants who are committed to advancing and improving communities by making thoughtful plans to address the issues impacting their neighborhoods. These projects make the state stronger as a whole and keep it the best place to live, work, and play.”
Community programs
The program has five main components: The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP), CFP, and the Enterprise Zone Program (EZP). A description of each of these components is available within the NAP fact sheet.
You can read: These are Cheryl Bettigole’s plans for the Philly Health Department
The new approvals for community investments raise the total amount of tax credits provided under the Wolf Administration to nearly $174 million in NAP funding supporting 1,128 projects statewide. The investment will result in more than $225 million in additional funds leveraged through corporate contributions.
NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems.
Dept. of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin said. “This program is incredibly valuable in encouraging public-private partnerships that lead to community improvements and a better quality of life for Pennsylvanians.”