Twelve million dollars in funding was recently approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to assist with blight remediation in Pennsylvania communities, including several in Bucks County.
The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks received $121,983 for blight remediation at 130 Walnut Avenue in Bristol Township; $200,000 for Post Road & Royal Avenue; and $300,000 for Shenandoah Woods.
“The Blight Remediation Program was created to help municipalities undergo remediation activities, making our communities safer and more pleasant for both residents and visitors alike,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “The millions of dollars in funding approved today will serve as a lifeline to communities struggling with blight, as well as a critical resource in maintaining a high quality of life everywhere in Pennsylvania.”
Projects include demolishing abandoned properties, preparing sites for redevelopment, repairing road ways and curbs, building new residences, redeveloping brownfield sites and more.
The Blight Remediation Program was created in 2020 to provide for blight remediation, including hazard mitigation within the commonwealth. It also authorizes the CFA to adopt guidelines to ensure that grants are made available to all geographic areas of the commonwealth.
Eligible projects must be undertaken by an eligible applicant and include:
– Planning projects – These involve the development of a comprehensive blight plan. Eligible projects also include code enforcement technical assistance and the completion of reuse feasibility studies on blighted properties.
– Remediation projects – These involve the acquisition, demolition and/or rehabilitation of blighted properties or properties affected by natural disasters to also include the cleaning and preparing of land for future use and projects resulting in visible improvements.
