Establishing the Municipal Grant Assistance Program and the Municipal Grant Assistance Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Impact
The bill is anticipated to improve the ability of various municipalities, particularly those in low-income areas, to access state and federal funding opportunities. By providing grant writing assistance and training, HB1216 is designed to mitigate the disparity between municipalities that are better equipped and those that currently struggle to compete for financial resources. The training program will further empower local government officials with the knowledge and skills necessary to build successful grant applications, potentially leading to improved community projects and services.
Summary
House Bill 1216 establishes the Municipal Grant Assistance Program and the accompanying Municipal Grant Assistance Program Fund in Pennsylvania. The primary objective of this legislation is to provide financial assistance to municipalities that may lack the necessary expertise and resources to obtain grants. With an initial appropriation of $1,000,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, the fund aims to support municipalities in hiring eligible grant writers and implementing training programs for municipal employees, enhancing their capacity to pursue economic development opportunities.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill 1216 has generally been positive among supporters who regard it as an important step towards fostering equitable economic development across Pennsylvania's municipalities. However, there may be some contention from skeptics concerned about the effectiveness of the funded program and whether the grant assistance adequately addresses all essential needs of municipalities. Advocates emphasize the necessity of such support, noting that many neighborhood municipalities have historically lacked the necessary resources.
Contention
While the sentiment is largely favorable, notable contention exists regarding the potential effectiveness of the program. Critics may argue that without proper oversight and the right framework, the grant writing assistance might not translate into tangible benefits for those communities. Key to the legislation's success will be the department's ability to implement this program effectively within existing frameworks, ensuring that grants awarded result in meaningful infrastructure and service improvements for the municipalities involved.
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 an annual revenue-sharing program for municipalities relating to tax-exempt real property; establishing the Tax-exempt Property Municipal Assistance Fund; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making a repeal.
Providing for an annual revenue sharing program for municipalities relating to tax-exempt real property; establishing the Tax-exempt Property Municipal Assistance Fund; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making a repeal.
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 Grand-family Assistance Program; providing for grants to area agencies on aging; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Aging.
Establishing the Buy American Grant Program and the Buy American Grant Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Establishing the Buy America, Buy Union Grant Program and the Buy America, Buy Union Grant 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.
Establishes disaster relief grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to assist residents with certain applications; appropriates $5 million.