Aliquippa, Charleroi, Cumberland Township Nominated for New Economic Development Program

HARRISBURG — Three communities in southwestern Pennsylvania have been nominated for a new federal economic development program designed to bring jobs to low-income areas, according to Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46).

The Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program provides tax incentives for business owners to invest in projects in low-income communities to help address local challenges. The program will generate funding for workforce development, affordable housing, infrastructure and business development.

QOZs were recommended in Aliquippa, Beaver County; Cumberland Township, Greene County; and Charleroi, Washington County. Two different areas in Charleroi were nominated for the program.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has 30 days to certify Pennsylvania’s recommendations.

“Many rural communities struggle to attract and retain quality employers that provide family-sustaining jobs, so it is extremely encouraging to see all three of these local communities recommended for this new program,” Bartolotta said. “Federal approval of these nominations would open the door for a whole host of new job opportunities in these areas, and I am hopeful that they will all be selected for inclusion in the program.”

The program was created through the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law last year. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has 30 days to certify Pennsylvania’s recommendations.

 

CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463

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