HARRISBURG, PA — Representative Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) and Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) on January 16 announced that six organizations in Susquehanna and Wayne counties are set to receive $1.47 million in grant funding aimed at revitalizing communities and empowering residents to succeed.

Grant dollars are from the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

“Sen. Baker and I have been doing a ‘full court press’ advocating that DCED expand the Neighborhood Assistance Program, as rural areas are primary recipients of these dollars,” Fritz said. “Those efforts paid off, and we’ll begin seeing double the amount invested in our rural communities through this program. The projects funded are very worthwhile. These are strong investments in our quality of life here in Susquehanna and Wayne counties.”

“This money is vital to community groups seeking to strengthen health programs, improve access to jobs and housing, and expand the physical attractions of parks and recreation areas in our towns,” Baker said. “These are good projects, advanced by groups who have experience in making every dollar count for the benefit of the community. NAP is the type of productive partnership that yields quality of life improvements reliably and accountably.”

Organizations receiving funding include:

· Wayne County Community Foundation: $32,500 for creating a new pedestrian plaza/parklet over the West Branch Lackawaxen River.

· Commonwealth Charitable Management: $45,000 for Phase II of the Elk Community Park project to improve the playground area to enhance the park’s recreational offerings.

· NEPA Community Health Care At Risk Services: $54,000 for adding another licensed professional counselor to serve additional patients per week with mental health issues.

· Susquehanna County Interfaith: $6,300 for expanding services to improve mental health and job readiness for individuals.

· Susquehanna County Recreation Center: $1.2 million for a daycare center, health care clinic, counseling center, distance learning lab and career development center.

· Trehab: $135,000 to acquire a foreclosed home to assist families in becoming homeowners through its homeownership program.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities across the Commonwealth.