Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey today announced that the U.S. Senate has approved federal funding for several Pennsylvania housing projects. The projects are contained in the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill which was passed by the Senate last night by a vote of 73-25.
“I am pleased my colleagues have agreed to provide federal funding to these projects which will revitalize and improve cities and towns across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Specter. “Rehabilitation and construction of these sites has the potential to be a great impetus for future cultural and economic growth.”
“I applaud my colleagues for their work this week in passing the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill,” said Senator Casey. “These projects will contribute to economic development and make improvements in urban centers across Pennsylvania.”
The bill must be conferenced with the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before funding is final.
Pennsylvania housing projects in the bill include:
• $500,000 for the City of Philadelphia for the 9th and Berks Transit Oriented Development Project. This initiative supports diverse development—from mixed income housing to neighborhood retail—around the existing rail station near Temple University.
• $200,000 for Esperanza in Philadelphia for the planning, design, rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing in the Hunting Park neighborhood.
• $200,000 for Our City Reading in Berks County for rehabilitation of abandoned houses and provision of down payment assistance to home buyers.
• $300,000 for the City of Scranton to demolish hazardous structures and remove blight. This project improves the public safety and the welfare of the citizens of Scranton.
• $200,000 for Blair County for acquisition, demolition and site preparation within Blair County’s blighted urban core areas, including downtown Altoona.
• $200,000 for Mount Washington Community Development Corporation in Allegheny County for the planning, design, site preparation, demolition and construction associated with Brownfield redevelopment.
• $800,000 for the City of York to restore historic farmers’ markets. These markets serve city residents and act as the only location where fresh, high quality produce and meats can be purchased in the downtown region.
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