Townships May Apply for Site Ready Economic Development Program  

The Shapiro Administration announced the opening of a new program, PA SITES, which will make $400 million in grant funding available to help municipalities, authorities, and economic development organizations prepare “shovel ready” sites to attract and retain businesses. A pilot program last year led to seven grant awards, five of which were in township sites. The new program was authorized and funded as part of the 2024-2025 state budget. 

Grants may be used for transportation access improvements, utility extensions, or grading of pad-ready sites, including redevelopment of previously used or underused sites. Click here for the press release and here for program guidelines.  

Commonwealth Releases September Revenues    

The Independent Fiscal Office and state Department of Revenue have released September 2024 revenue reports. The state collected $4.2 billion in September, the third month of the commonwealth’s fiscal year. Collections were 0.8% less than anticipated by the Department for the month, but 0.2% above estimates for the first quarter. Personal income tax revenues were 4.8% higher than September 2023 collections.  

The Motor License Fund received $240.4 million in September, $4.6 million below estimates. Fiscal year-to-date revenues for the first quarter are 5.7% above estimates. The fund includes liquid fuels taxes and other license, fine, and fee revenues. Click here for the IFO report and here for Revenue’s report.