Here’s a roundup of the latest news and resources for Pennsylvania townships and boroughs:
Grants and Funding
- Historical & Archival Records Care Grants: The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is offering grants to help municipalities preserve historical and archival records. Townships are encouraged to apply to safeguard their important historical documents. (https://www.psats.org/historical-archival-records-care-grants/)
Environmental and Development
- DEP Launches Quick Permitting Program: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has introduced a new “Quick Permitting” program for certain NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits, aiming to streamline the approval process. This could significantly benefit townships with stormwater or wastewater management projects. (https://www.psats.org/dep-launches-new-quick-permitting-program-for-npdes-permits/)
- Pennsylvania Preserves Farms: Learn about recent efforts to preserve farmland in townships across the Commonwealth, contributing to open space and agricultural sustainability. (https://www.psats.org/pennsylvania-preserves-farms-in-townships-across-the-commonwealth-2/)
Advocacy and Policy
- Guidance on ARPA SLFRF Reports: Important guidance is available regarding recent Treasury notices on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) reports. Townships should review this to ensure compliance. (https://www.psats.org/guidance-on-recent-treasury-notice-on-arpa-slfrf-reports/)
- PSATS Defends Local Role in Energy Development: PSATS is actively defending the local role and transparency in energy development projects, advocating for townships’ voices in these crucial discussions. (https://www.psats.org/psats-defends-local-role-and-transparency-in-energy-development/)
Transportation and Infrastructure
- PA Turnpike Begins Tollbooth Removal: The Pennsylvania Turnpike has initiated a project to remove physical tollbooths, signaling a shift towards cashless tolling systems. This may impact local traffic patterns and infrastructure. (https://www.psats.org/pa-turnpike-begins-tollbooth-removal/)
- Liberty Bell License Plates Are Back: Pennsylvania is reintroducing the classic Liberty Bell design for license plates. (https://www.psats.org/liberty-bell-license-plates-are-back/)
Other News
- Commission Seeking Rural Applicants: A commission is looking for rural applicants with subject expertise to contribute to their work. This could be an opportunity for qualified township officials to share their knowledge. (https://www.psats.org/commission-looking-for-rural-applicants-with-subject-expertise/)
- Amazon & Shapiro Announce AI Data Center Investment: Governor Shapiro and Amazon have announced a significant investment in a new AI data center within Pennsylvania townships. This development could bring economic opportunities and infrastructure considerations to the affected areas. (https://www.psats.org/amazon-shapiro-announce-ai-data-center-investment-in-townships/)
We encourage you to visit the PSATS website for more detailed information and additional resources.