Community Projects Receive $2.6M Boost

Community Projects Receive $2.6M Boost

HARRISBURG – November 9, 2021 – Community revitalization efforts will receive more than $2.6 million in tax credits to help fund their projects, state Sen. Jim Brewster announced today.

“It is gratifying that the efforts of these organizations are being recognized for the work they’re doing to improve their communities, especially for the most challenged among us,” Brewster said. “These are highly competitive awards, and I was honored to help these efforts stand out in Harrisburg.”

The funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) supports nonprofits, businesses, and resident projects in distressed areas or low-income neighborhoods.

The program also provides for COVID-19 and social justice related assistance. In this round of funding, priority was given to 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.

“We know that the pandemic hit some communities harder than others,” Brewster said. “We are striving for a recovery that recognizes disparities and aims to build a more equitable economy going forward.”

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank located in Duquesne, which serves 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania will receive more than $1.3 million to help cover a more than 30 percent increase in need since the pandemic began.   

Other recipients in the 45th District include:

  • McKees Point Development Group – McKeesport, $360,000
  • Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, McKeesport – $150,000
  • Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, Clairton – $15,000
  • Mon Valley Initiative, Clairton – $380,000
  • Mon Valley Initiative, North Braddock – $160,000
  • Westmoreland Community Action, New Kensington $160,000
  • Tube City Renaissance – McKeesport, Allegheny County $13,750

For more details on the applicants and awards, click here.

Brewster: $1.5 million in Tax Credits Approved for Community Development Projects

Brewster: $1.5 million in Tax Credits Approved for Community Development Projects

Harrisburg – November 15, 2019 – More than $1.5 million in tax credits to spur community revitalization has been approved for projects in the Monongahela Valley, eastern Allegheny County and Westmoreland County, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today. 

The tax credits were approved through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program. 

“These tax credits will help fund a variety of community development projects in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties,” Brewster said. “There are a wide variety of projects that received tax credits, with each having a great impact on neighborhoods and communities throughout the region.”

Brewster said tax credits were approved for the following projects:

  • Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh in McKeesport ($225,000) will complete the rehabilitation of 20 housing units. The project will create four jobs and 2000 volunteer hours of labor are included in the scope of work;
  • McKees Point Development Group in McKeesport ($360,000) will use the tax credits to stabilize existing housing stock, rehabilitate and resize the downtown business district and maximize job creation from tourism. The project includes development of historical assets and further access to the Great Allegheny Passage;
  • Tax credits were approved for the Mon Valley Initiative in Braddock ($160,000) to support new investment and development in Braddock and increase home ownership;
  • In Clairton, tax credits were approved for Economic Development South ($380,000) to spur investment and restore housing stock;
  • Greater Community Food Bank in Duquesne will use ($110,000) in tax credits to strengthen its partner network, implement new practices to expand coverage and rehabilitate a building;
  • Center for Victims were approved for ($82,500) to complete building renovations to serve those who need shelter services;
  • In East Pittsburgh, This Generation Connect will use tax credits ($110,000) to establish a permanent base to support healthy engagement and relationship building.  These tax credits will promote the development of alternative drop in space to serve as a “safe-harbor”.
  • Westmoreland Community Action in New Kensington received tax credits ($160,000) to address issues including recreation, blight, beautification efforts and main street rehabilitation while addressing concerns expressed by local businesses.