Pennsylvania Investing in Itself

Much of Gov. Ed Rendell’s economic stimulus package was signed into law last week, but other million-dollar pieces are still in play. Already, $1.1 billion of the package is law, signed by Rendell Thursday immediately after it passed the Senate.

Still to be decided are the fates of his $640 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program; a $250 million bond for water and sewer improvements; and an $800 million bond issue being proposed to protect open space and environmentally sensitive areas. Both bond issues must be approved by voters during the primary on April 27.

About $330 million of the environmental bond money would go toward cleaning former industrial sites, known as brownfields, for redevelopment. An additional $170 million would be used for revitalizing older communities like Pottstown, Royersford and Phoenixville, and $300 million would be used to improve and acquire park land.

In addition to passing voters’ muster, both bond issues must be approved by the General Assembly.

More here.