Funding Largely Made Possible Through Natural Gas “Act 13” Impact Fees
HARRISBURG – Programs designed to make homeownership and renting more affordable across the 23rd district received more than $2.3 million in state grants this week, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) announced.
The money comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE), a state account created in 2010 meant to support local affordable housing programs. Through Sen. Yaw’s advocacy, the Marcellus Shale Fund, Act 13 of 2012, likewise designated $5 million collected annually from drilling impact taxes to support PHARE specifically in counties where unconventional gas wells operate. The Realty Transfer Tax Fund and the National Housing Trust Fund also contribute revenues to PHARE.
“PHARE is a crucial part of our overall effort to improve our economy and provide affordable housing to state residents, especially in the Northern Tier and across the Senate District I am proud to represent,” Sen. Yaw said. “I am grateful for this investment in our community.”
The following projects in the region received funding:
Bradford County
- County Homebuyer Assistance Program: $460,000 to offer grants up to $15,000 each for down payments, closing costs or repairs necessary for loan approval and generally livability.
- County Housing Program: $185,000 will be used to assist residents who are at risk of becoming homeless or are already homeless, and to continue funding the agency’ housing specialist position.
Lycoming County
- County Planning and Development:
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- $210,000 to provide home repair assistance to qualified owners.
- $210,000 to continue the Supportive Housing Program, which assists residents in danger of foreclosure or eviction and those in need of secure accommodations.
- $210,000 to support the Master Leasing Program, which assists “hard-to-place persons” with gaining housing stability.
- $120,000 to support Liberty House, a shelter for women and families fleeing domestic violence.
- $100,000 to provide short-term rental assistance to families facing eviction,
- $77,534 to build a duplex for two families living at or below 50% of the county’s median adjusted income.
- $25,000 to support the Lycoming County Urgent Need Home Repair Program.
Sullivan County
- County Rental Assistance Program: $80,000 to provide rental assistance to qualifying residents for up to three months.
Susquehanna County
- County Housing Redevelopment Program: $410,000 to support the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which renovates vacant and blighted homes to rent to lower income families.
- County Rental and Utility Assistance Program: $125,000 to support homelessness diversion and mitigate the effect of the Marcellus Shale housing shortage on low income residents.
Snyder/Union Counties
- Union-Snyder Community Action Agency: $175,000 to support the Comprehensive Housing Program, which reduces homelessness in the region through prevention, diversion, rental assistance, case management and supportive services.
CONTACT: Nick Troutman, 717-787-3280