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Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne said that $16.2 million will be returned to three communities participating in the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) program.
The program helps Pennsylvania municipalities that have faced economic challenges to revitalize vacant or rundown spaces with the goal of attracting new businesses and creating jobs.
Bethlehem will receive $2.052 million. Lancaster will receive $12.186 million, and Tamaqua will receive $2.001 million.
Additionally, the Department of Revenue has established the state tax baselines for two additional cities, Erie and Reading, that were approved for the CRIZ program.
“Since its inception, the CRIZ program has delivered a total of nearly $102 million to participating communities, helping them to attract development, revitalize their downtowns, and bring new jobs to their regions,” said Browne. “This program is a proven model that has been a critical tool for growth in Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Tamaqua. Recognizing this success, Governor Shapiro worked to reopen the program and open the door for more communities to apply. That historic step was a gamechanger for both Erie and Reading, and we’re excited to see the program support economic development in both cities.”
The CRIZ program was reopened in the latest state budget, which allowed new qualified communities to participate in the program for the first time since its inception in 2013.
Applications from Erie and Reading were both approved, paving the way for both cities to benefit from the CRIZ program.