HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania communities in 25 counties, including Pike and Wayne, will be able to breathe new life into downtowns, convert brownfields into shovel-ready land and improve the quality of life for residents with the help of $1.6 million in new state investments.

The projects range from helping municipalities update zoning laws to continuing the development of comprehensive plans.

Pike County

• $7,500 to Blooming Grove Township to update its municipal zoning ordinance and subdivision and land development ordinances to be consistent with its comprehensive plan
• $20,000 to Porter Township to update its comprehensive plan, zoning and subdivision ordinances and to implement relevant recommendations of the Pike County Planning Initiative Report of Findings.

Wayne County

• $5,500 to Paupack Township to update its Palmyra Township and Hawley Borough’s  subdivision and land development ordinances, which will ease the implementation of a multi-municipal comprehensive plan

“This investment is good news for communities that are striving to make life better for residents and to bring new jobs within their borders,” Department of Community and Economic Development acting Secretary George Cornelius said. “It can be very difficult for communities to balance their desire to both attract new development and preserve their cultural and historic identity. Those that find that balance and follow their plan become beacons for other communities to follow and places where businesses and people want to be.”