Posted: | January 23, 2023 12:12 PM |
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From: | Senator David G. Argall and Sen. Daniel Laughlin |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Requiring DCED to Expand the CRIZ Program to More Communities |
In order to revitalize and spur new economic growth in cities across Pennsylvania, Act 52 of 2013 established the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) program. This program has successfully redeveloped old, abandoned properties while creating jobs and generating millions in local revenue. State and local taxes which are collected in the CRIZ stay in the local community to further spur economic development. Under current law, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has the authority to approve two new CRIZ designations each year but is not required to do so. Since the program’s establishment ten years ago, only three communities have been granted a CRIZ: Lancaster, Bethlehem, and Tamaqua. Even though the evidence of the CRIZ program’s effectiveness in helping to revitalize these three communities was undeniable, the Wolf Administration refused to award any further CRIZ designations. Our legislation will require DCED to grant two new CRIZ designations each year. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB448