The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) recently awarded $250,000 in grants for housing improvement efforts in Beaver and Lawrence counties, according to Senator Elder Vogel.
A grant of $100,000 was awarded to New Brighton Gateway Revitalization – Phase II, Beaver County, and $150,000 was awarded to the Lawrence County Homebuyer & Affordable Rental Program.
The grants are funded under the Marcellus Shale impact fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012, which allocates certain amounts from the impact fee into PHFA’s Housing Trust Fund (PHARE) to address the need for affordable housing in counties where producing nonconventional gas wells are located.
“We expected the growth of the Marcellus Shale industry to impact the availability of affordable housing in areas where drilling was taking place,” Senator Vogel said. “These grants will help Beaver and Lawrence counties increase and improve their housing stock while enjoying the economic benefits from the growing industry.”
Phase II of the New Brighton Gateway Revitalization effort will provide financial assistance to eligible owner-occupants for home improvements, focusing on code deficiencies and other activities that avoid or remediate blighting conditions.
The Lawrence County Homebuyer & Affordable Rental Program will use the money for a homebuyer assistance initiative and to rehabilitate rental units.
CONTACT:
Joe Weidner
(724) 774-0444