Tioga County Awarded State Planning Grant, Lawmakers Say

HARRISBURG - Tioga County has been awarded a $50,000 state grant to update its countywide comprehensive plan, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) announced today.

Tioga County will use the funds to commission the preparation of a county-wide comprehensive plan. Updates to land use mapping, the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and zoning language to provide to municipalities will help ensure alignment with land use best practices. The update will also build upon the county's recently completed housing study by translating the identified needs into implementable land use, zoning and development strategies.

"It is so important for our communities to have big-picture plans in place to guide growth and development while preserving everything we love about living in the Northern Tier," Owlett said. "I appreciate all the work our county officials put into their planning efforts, and this grant will help them continue that work so our communities are well prepared for what's ahead."

"This funding will help Tioga County take a closer look at its housing, development and infrastructure needs and plan for the future," Yaw said. "A strong comprehensive plan will guide local leaders, support smart decision-making and create opportunities that help keep Tioga County a great place to live and work."

"We are thankful for the support of Senator Yaw and Representative Owlett in securing this funding for Tioga County," said Tioga County Commissioners Marc Rice, Sam VanLoon and Shane Nickerson. "This is an important first step in updating our comprehensive plan and taking a thoughtful approach to how our county grows and develops in the years ahead. Through this process, we will work to better understand the priorities of our communities, identify future opportunities and plan for the long-term success of Tioga County. We look forward to working closely with our municipalities and residents to develop a plan that reflects the needs and priorities of Tioga County."

The funding was awarded through Pennsylvania's Municipal Assistance Program (MAP), administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. MAP funding can be used to provide technical assistance to municipalities and other eligible applicants for activities including community planning and implementation.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel (Yaw)
717-787-3280

Patricia Hippler (Owlett)
717-773-9846