ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS AWARDED LOCALLY

 HARRISBURG, DEC. 10 – Nearly $600,000 in state economic development funds have been earmarked for the 17^th Senatorial District during the recent round of awards, announced state Sen. Connie Williams.

 “All three of the projects that were chosen for these grants are vital to revitalization efforts, which have a direct impact on the quality of life we all enjoy,” Williams said. “This is a great example of local and state government partnering for the benefit of local residents, the local economy and Pennsylvania’s economy.”

 New Communities/Main Street Program grants were awarded to:

• Lower Merion Township -- $196,753 to undertake public improvements in two of 11 commercial districts that are part of the overall downtown regional coordination effort.

• Ardmore 2000 Business District Authority -- $25,000 to undertake a market analysis of the special service district in order to increase productivity of the existing businesses and attract new ones.

 A $292,965 Community of Opportunity grant was awarded to the Redevelopment Authority of the County Montgomery to administer Brownfields allocation for Montgomery County.

 Grants were awarded by the Department of Community and Economic Development as part of the state’s ongoing effort to stimulate economic development in Pennsylvania.