Burns: $40,000 in state funding to help identify new housing options in county

HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced yet another grant for his district.

This one -- $40,000 -- will help the Cambria County Planning Commission in its efforts to develop a sustainable housing strategy for the area to enhance economic growth.

"For far too long, our young people have been leaving the area for jobs and better opportunities, even when they get their education and training here," Burns said. "One of the keys to improving our economic growth is to make sure we have a sustainable local workforce and that means keeping our graduates around.

"Making sure we have versatile urban housing, which studies have shown is popular with young professionals and seniors alike, can help us retain our young graduates and keep our seniors mobile and contributing to our local economy."

Burns said there currently are very few viable options in the area and this grant will help Cambria County and Johnstown analyze the local market and help create a practical strategy for developing new market-rate housing options.

"We already promote the area as the great destination we know it to be, but without a local residential population, that can be difficult to sustain.

"A practical housing approach can help the area expand its business district, promote the area and increase the number of residents and visitors, which will help expand the local economy," Burns said.

The grant is from the Department of Community and Economic Development's Municipal Assistance Program, which helps local governments plan for and implement services and improvements, and management development with neighboring municipalities.