Submitted Article
Revenue generated by Marcellus Shale impact fees totaling more than $1.3 million will benefit five local projects to help with housing needs, Rep. Tina Pickett (Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) announced today.
The five projects – one in Bradford County, one in Sullivan County and three in Susquehanna County – will receive funding from Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Funds (PHARE), which receives revenue from Act 13 impact fees.
“Affordable housing was one of the most pronounced impacts that results from the development of the Marcellus Shale along the Northern Tier, and that’s why we fought to ensure that impact fee revenue was directed toward housing needs,” Pickett said.
The projects being awarded include the following:
- Bradford County Home Purchase and Repair Grant Program — $645,000 to assist with down payment and closing costs as well as necessary repairs to the property in order to obtain loan approval or for general livability and safety of the home.
- Sullivan County Rental Assistance Program — $80,000 to continue activities previously funded by PHARE grants. These would include rental assistance for up to three consecutive months for households not already receiving subsidized rent assistance.
- Susquehanna County Home Buyer Assistance Grant Program — $106,000 to continue providing down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible home buyers, based on need.
- Susquehanna County Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation — $400,000 to assist homeowners with necessary rehabilitation work to bring the property up to local code compliance.
- Susquehanna County Rental and Utility Assistance Program — $124,000 to continue providing rental, utility and security deposit assistance, as well as matching families, with vacant, affordable rental units throughout the county.
“This program is extremely competitive, with counties from around the state vying for these grants,” Pickett said. “I’m pleased that so much money in impact fee revenue will be directed to meet such critical needs in our communities.”
More information about the program is available at www.phfa.org.