Harrisburg, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin emphasized Governor Tom Wolf’s strong commitment to building effective partnerships for community revitalization efforts as he announced a transformative six-year, $3.3 million investment in Aliquippa.

“This far-reaching investment demonstrates the Wolf Administration’s deeply rooted belief in the great promise of communities like Aliquippa and the power of public-private partnerships in focused economic development,” said Davin. “When we work together to give Pennsylvania’s communities the tools they need to rebound from adversity and thrive, we are building a bright future that unites our families, neighborhoods, and businesses.”

Supported through DCED’s Neighborhood Partnership (NPP) and Keystone Communities Programs, the first year of the project will include:

• The acquisition and demolition of 18 houses to remove blight and create sites for possible new housing, side yards and amenities;
• The creation of a digital media lab, classroom, and technology classes in B.F. Jones Memorial Library to provide educational and training services to 150 young people and skills development for all ages;
• Development of a partnership with Job Training for Beaver County Inc. to execute the Aliquippa Targeted Job Success Workshop to prepare 100 adults for employment;
• Development of a partnership with the Salvation Army to provide food bank and emergency food assistance programs to meet the basic needs of 500 low-income residents; and
• The demolition of three remaining commercial buildings on the redevelopment site on the eastern end of Franklin Avenue immediately adjacent to PA Route 51 and the entrance to the Aliquippa Industrial Park.

“This is a big step in the renaissance of Aliquippa to bring about real change for the city and its residents,” said Mayor Dwan Walker. “We are so proud of the administration, AEDC, and our stakeholders for getting this done. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, and we are looking forward to the real change this will bring to our city.”

“I want to thank everyone who sent a letter of support or placed a call to assist us in receiving this funding,” said Donald Walker, AEDC chairman. “I am so excited about the future of Aliquippa and our partners in this venture to improve our community for the better. We will not let you down.”

“Aliquippa’s mayor, council, and AEDC have worked hard to achieve the collaboration necessary for this success,” said James Palmer, president of Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, a supportive partner of AEDC. “We are proud to have participated to help create this opportunity and are firmly committed to the success of the project and further developing the local capacity necessary to insure long-term progress.”

BNY Mellon would receive $400,000 in annual tax credits for its commitment to contribute $500,000 a year through 2023 to the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) for this extensive project. Additionally, Aliquippa will receive a $365,000 grant through DCED’s Keystone Communities Program.

“We look forward to seeing the impact our annual Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credit investment will have in Aliquippa over the coming six years,” said Don Heberle, CEO of BNY Mellon Wealth Management. “We are pleased to be corporate partners in this ambitious initiative to spur economic growth, enhance workforce development, and improve blighted properties.”

The Neighborhood Partnership Program is part of DCED’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, through which the Wolf Administration over three years has provided $53.9 million in tax credits supporting 339 projects statewide. That investment will result in more than $227.1 million in additional funds leveraged through corporate contributions.

The Keystone Communities Program, through which more than $24 million in grants has been awarded over the past three years, is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors in the community, supporting local initiatives that grow and stabilize neighborhoods, ensure social and economic diversity, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.