Yudichak committee approves legislation to aid economic recovery

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Dec. 16—WILKES-BARRE — The state Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, chaired by Sen. John Yudichak, Wednesday took action on a pair of bills that would support Pennsylvania's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

—Senate Bill 797, authored by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37), will update the statewide Neighborhood Improvement District Act to include Allegheny County, giving the tourism industry more resources to attract visitors to the greater Pittsburgh region.

—Senate Bill 977, authored by Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18), will create a new $75 million economic recovery grant program within the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

"As each new COVID-19 variant hits Pennsylvania, businesses in our communities must brace for more and more economic turbulence," said Yudichak, I-Swoyersville. "I commend Sen. Robinson and Sen. Boscola for working to advance legislation that will help Pennsylvania businesses sustain their companies and their employees through the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Economic recovery in the Commonwealth is essential for our businesses, especially within the tourism industry," said Robinson, a committee member. "I appreciate the support from Sen. Yudichak and the committee in recognizing the importance of this bill."

Boscola added, "This legislation is another step to assist our constituents by turning old vacant factories and buildings into new state-of-the-art facilities, and bringing economic security and stability back to Pennsylvania's communities."

Boscola is also a committee member.

As a result of Wednesday's committee deliberations, both pieces of legislation advance to the full Senate for consideration.

Senate approves upgrades

to Clean Energy Program

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Yudichak that would expand options for an existing property-assessed clean energy program received an affirmative vote Wednesday by the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Senate Bill 635 updates eligibility requirements for the statewide Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE).

The program updates will expand eligibility for multi-family unit commercial buildings and allow property owners to upgrade ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce COVID-19 transmission.

"These are timely measures in light of the pandemic and widespread economic hardship," said State Senator Yudichak, while noting that new multifamily buildings — like senior living centers — are one of the fastest growing commercial real estate sectors in Pennsylvania. To qualify under the legislation, dwellings must include at least five residential units.

"Expanding the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program will infuse our communities with much needed capital to upgrade our housing stock and improve the air quality and weather resiliency of our homes," said Yudichak. "The program relies solely on private capital to foster private-public partnerships to expand housing opportunities in communities throughout Pennsylvania."

The legislation was supported by a diversity of stakeholders, including housing and public health advocates, renewable energy manufacturers and installers, capital investors, builders and developers and municipalities.

Indoor air quality enhancements would include ventilation projects that reduce exposure to indoor contaminants, while resiliency improvements would comprise of flood mitigation, wind resistance and — among other measures — energy upgrades.

As a result of Wednesday's vote, the legislation advances to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.