Providing for the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program; establishing the Waterfront Redevelopment Fund; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Impact
The bill establishes the Waterfront Redevelopment Fund, which will accumulate appropriations and contributions to support grants for qualifying projects. Under the program, entities must demonstrate matching funds from public or private sources, ensuring a partnership approach to revitalization efforts. The emphasis is on improving public infrastructure and creating recreational opportunities while addressing the ecological health of waterfront areas. The act is designed to have a continuous appropriation to facilitate ongoing support for relevant projects.
Summary
House Bill 1794, known as the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program Act, aims to revitalize coastal waters and waterfronts in Pennsylvania through the establishment of a dedicated grant program. The bill intends to fund projects that enhance public access to waterfronts, stimulate economic development, and improve property values. It seeks to achieve these objectives by providing financial aid to municipal and county governments, as well as other entities involved in redevelopment efforts along state waterways.
Sentiment
General sentiment towards HB 1794 appears to be positive among proponents who view it as a valuable mechanism for fostering environmental health and economic revival along Pennsylvania's waterfronts. Supporters argue that revitalizing these areas will lead to job creation and increased property values, thus benefiting local communities. However, concerns have been raised regarding the long-term sustainability of such projects and the potential misallocation of funds among competing priorities, indicating a cautious optimism surrounding the bill.
Contention
Notable points of contention concern the criteria for grant approval, which include considerations for public access, local commitment, and environmental sustainability. Critics argue that the matching funds requirement could limit participation from smaller municipalities and local entities. There's also an ongoing debate about ensuring that the funding provided yields equitable benefits across different communities. The success of the bill will ultimately depend on how effectively it addresses these concerns and promotes transparency in the grant allocation process.
Providing for the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program; establishing the Waterfront Redevelopment Fund; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Authorizing local taxing authorities to provide for tax exemptions for improvements and redevelopment of shopping malls; establishing the Economic Development and Mixed-Use Redevelopment Advisory Committee within the State Planning Board; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Authorizing local taxing authorities to provide for tax exemptions for improvements and redevelopment of churches, hospitals and schools; establishing the Economic Development and Mixed-Use Redevelopment Advisory Committee within the State Planning Board; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Establishing the Rural Coworking and Innovation Center Grant Program; and providing for requirements and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Providing for the redevelopment of historic and older buildings; and establishing the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program and the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Fund.
Establishing the Public Arts Grant Program and the Public Arts Fund; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an appropriation.
Providing for school-to-work programs; establishing the CareerBound program; providing for a tax credit; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Labor and Industry.
In economic development programs, establishing the Pedestrianization Grant Program and the Pedestrianization Grant Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an interfund transfer.
Establishing the Municipal Grant Assistance Program and the Municipal Grant Assistance Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Providing for the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program; establishing the Waterfront Redevelopment Fund; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.