Allegheny County grants available for tourism, infrastructure
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Feb. 29 is the last day for local governments and nonprofit organizations in Allegheny County to apply for the latest round of infrastructure and tourism grants.
The $6.6 million in annual funding for the program comes from taxes on gambling casinos and is administered by the county's redevelopment authority.
Representatives of the county's Department of Economic Development briefed members of county council last week on the program, which is going into its fifth year.
After hearing a report from Robert Hurley, deputy department director, members of council's housing and economic development committee voted to recommend continued participation in the program. The issue will come before full council for a vote tonight.
No county tax dollars are used to support the development and tourism fund grants. The program is paid for from state gambling taxes, with 95 percent of the money going directly into grants and loans, Mr. Hurley said. The economic development department retains 5 percent to cover its costs for staff, legal and auditing expenses.
"I think this is money well spent," Councilman Bob Macey, D-West Mifflin, said.
Between 100 and 150 applicants are expected to apply for the latest round of funding. As many as 30 projects are likely to be approved for funding, Mr. Hurley said.
The scope of projects ranges from assistance with land acquisition and installation of water and sewer lines to engineering studies and business development efforts.
The county received 96 proposals, seeking almost $18 million in assistance for the first round of funding for the 2010-11 program year. The redevelopment authority approved grants for 29 projects worth about $4.2 million, according to a program summary presented to members of the council committee. That money was matched almost 4 to 1 from other sources to support projects valued at $20.3 million.
Eligible applicants for grants include municipalities, authorities, councils of governments and nonprofits. For-profit businesses are eligible for loans from the program.
More information about the grant-and-loan programs and an application are available at the economic development website, economic.alleghenycounty.us, or by calling 412-350-1000.
First Published February 21, 2012 12:00 am
