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Welcome to the PSATS Morning News, our email digest.
The PSATS Morning News includes the latest news, videos – look for TVN and the Question of the Week every Tuesday and Thursday – along with legislative and policy updates, grant and funding opportunities, and announcements about upcoming PSATS training.
Email comments and suggestions to morningnews@psats.org.
PSATS Morning News Library
Latest News
Shapiro Signs Executive Order to Coordinate Permitting of Key Projects
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order yesterday to create a Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track program to streamline the commonwealth’s permitting process for key economic development and infrastructure projects, including permit coordination across agencies. The Office of Transformation and Opportunity will lead…
DEP Claims to Reduce Permit Backlog by 75%
The state Department of Environmental Protection claims it has reduced its permit backlog by 75% in the last year, along with eliminating the backlog for oil and gas permits. DEP states that it reviews more than 45,000 permit applications annually,…
EPA Land Revitalization Technical Assistance Available for Brownfields
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Land Revitalization Technical Assistance Program to promote the revitalization of brownfield areas. If your township has a site or group of sites impacted by contamination or suspected contamination, EPA can provide targeted support for…
Free Online Update on Solar Farms in PA December 9
Want to know more about grid-scale solar installations? On Monday, December 9, noon-1:30 p.m., PSATS will host a free webinar focusing on the current landscape of utility-scale solar farms in Pennsylvania and how townships can address them through ordinances. In the first…
Reminder: Local Share Account Program Accepting Grant Applications Until 11/30
The state Department of Community and Economic Development is accepting applications for Local Share Account Grants. Townships, municipal authorities, and councils of governments are eligible to apply through November 30, 2024 towards project costs between $25,000 to $1,000,000. No match is…
Historic Collection and Preservation Grants Available Until 12/12
The National Park Service has announced the return of the Save America’s Treasures (SAT) grant program to help preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation’s rich heritage. Townships are eligible to apply for grants in two categories through December…
Federal Judge Strikes Down Increased Overtime Thresholds
On Friday, a federal district court judge in Texas struck down a federal overtime rule implemented by the Biden administration that took effect July 1 and was scheduled to increase on January 1, 2025. The new rule required overtime to…
Attorney General Warns of Scammers Contacting About “Fraudulent” Activity
Attorney General Michelle Henry is alerting Pennsylvanians about a phishing scam involving contact with victims about claims of fraudulent activity on the victim’s banking account to try to access personal data and information. Often, the scammers will provide a telephone…
Residents May Apply for Home Heating Assistance
Applications are now being accepted for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills during the coldest months. Pennsylvanians may apply for cash assistance of $200 to $1,000 until April 4, 2025, based on…
Federal Disaster Aid Approved for Local Governments Impacted by Debby Disaster
Yesterday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster Public Assistance was approved for state, county, and municipal governments that had eligible damage in Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Indiana, Lycoming, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming counties…
