The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced a $875,00 loan guarantee to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the Sandy Township Platt Road Wastewater Collection and Conveyance Project. The loan guarantee, offered through the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108), will be used to finance the extension of sanitary sewer lines to a 400-acre site that is proposed for new development in the Corbet Industrial Park. Though two businesses already operate in the park, they currently rely on temporary sewage disposal facilities, which are not sustainable and could deter or limit the growth of business. This project will benefit people with low- and moderate-incomes (LMI) by creating job opportunities. The loan requires that at least 51 percent of the full-time equivalent jobs are held by or made available to people with low and moderate incomes.
“Stable infrastructure is a key component in supporting economic development in low-income communities,” said Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Community Planning and Development at HUD. “This loan guarantee will support the Sandy Township in its pursuit to generate jobs for low-income individuals and set the stage to attract future commercial endeavors. Having the Commonwealth’s support for this infrastructure project will ensure growth and give this community a competitive edge. This loan guarantee is a good example of how HUD provides states with a potent investment tool to support infrastructure in smaller communities”.
Section 108 provides Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to states and communities as a source of low-cost, long-term financing for economic and community development projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Section 108 can be used for a variety of projects, such as housing, infrastructure, and other physical development projects. The flexibility of the program makes it an attractive and effective tool for states and local governments.