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For Immediate Release
May 14, 2009
Contact: Carol Maravic
(717) 787-6725

Senators Hear Testimony on Measures to Promote Community Revitalization 

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee today held a public hearing in Pottsville to discuss how Pennsylvania can encourage community revitalization in times of economic and budget stress, according to Committee Chairman Gene Yaw (R-23). 

Among those who testified were representatives of Upper Schuylkill, Inc., the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, Schuylkill Community Action, Schuylkill County Demolition Program, Mahanoy City and Tamaqua Downtown. 

Yaw said the hearing gave local governments and downtown organizations an opportunity to offer input and suggestions on how to improve and revitalize communities, even during an economic downturn. 

"Our small communities are the economic engines of our economy, and when we invest in them and help them to grow then we invest in our future," Yaw said.  "Our goal is to find ways to make economic development programs work, fight against blight, and empower local officials to find creative solutions to improving their communities." 

Yaw said he is impressed with the effort that local officials and organizations are doing to improve their communities, despite tight fiscal times.

"This is going to be a very tough year when it comes to developing a state budget – particularly as we face a $3 billion revenue deficit," Yaw said.  "Our goal is to work with local folks to target funding to programs and services that work most effectively.  That’s why there involvement is so important." 

For more on the hearing, click here.