(HARRISBURG) — The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee held a public hearing in Philadelphia today to hear testimony on the importance of modernizing urban centers across the Commonwealth, according to Chairman Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming).
The hearing focused on how community organizations, businesses and others can work together to modernize and improve urban areas and target investments that will help these areas to continue to be assets.
“Many of our urban areas are aging and need infrastructure improvements and other enhancements,” Yaw said. “They have a great deal to offer, and we want to make sure they continue to be vibrant places in which to live and work.”
Among those testifying at the hearing were representatives of the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, The Wharton School, PECO, the Philadelphia YouthBuild Charter School, the Delaware Regional Valley Planning Commission and the Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha, Inc. (APM).
Several of those testifying discussed the need to improve energy efficiency and green technology to support economic development and encourage companies to stay or relocate to urban areas. They said providing good transportation networks and educational opportunities are also two priorities for improving urban areas.
“When people, schools, businesses and community organizations work together, they can help to ensure that our cities and urban areas take advantage of new technology and opportunities to modernize facilities and services,” Yaw said. “Our cities are part of our history, our culture and our economic future. We need to invest in them and make sure that they continue to improve and grow.”
CONTACT: Adam Pankake (717) 787-3280