Lycoming News

Legislation to expand the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) was included in the 2024-25 state budget, according to State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and State Sen. Nick Miller (D-14), sponsors of the original measure. The cap on the allocation for the NAP program is now set to be raised from $36 million to $72 million in the coming fiscal year.

“The Neighborhood Assistance Program allows businesses, communities and organizations to work together to revitalize our neighborhoods and improve access to job opportunities, quality education and affordable housing,” Yaw said. “I’m pleased to see this significant investment in the program and I’m grateful to Sen. Miller for his collaboration in getting this across the finish line.”

“This legislation helps both local businesses and our communities thrive,” said Miller. “We are investing in our neighborhoods and supporting economic development by providing affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance. I’d like to thank Sen. Yaw for his dedication to increasing the NAP cap.”

In November 2023 alone, over $3.5 million in NAP funding was awarded in Yaw’s district. Among the awardees was the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation, which received $1,056,250 in partnership with Coterra Energy to enhance labs and instructional spaces, according to Yaw, who serves as chairman of the Penn College Board of Directors.

Since he started his term in 2023, more than $1.3 million in NAP funding was awarded in Miller’s district, including several projects to bring more affordable housing to the Lehigh Valley.

The Program was created by the General Assembly in 1967 and serves as a key resource for businesses, nonprofits and underserved neighborhoods. The goal of NAP is to improve distressed areas and support neighborhood conservation through the creation of a productive partnership between community-based entities and the business and corporate communities.

For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com and Sen. Miller’s website at www.PaSenatorMiller.com.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Weitzel (Sen. Yaw)

717-787-3280

Kelly Leighton (Sen. Miller)

717-772-3174