Matzie lauds Aliquippa’s exit from financially distressed status
Calls move the beginning of new economic future
Rep. Robert Matzie December 1, 2023 | 11:40 AM
ALIQUIPPA, Dec. 1 – State Rep. Rob Matzie joined state and local officials in Aliquippa today as the Department of Community and Economic Development announced city’s official exit from Act 47 financially distressed status after nearly 36 years.
Matzie, D-Beaver, called the move the result of a strong partnership driven by faith in the city and confidence in its ability to return to a position of strength and independence.
“Today is the culmination of decades of hard work that brought together local, state and federal officials to partner with Aliquippa’s schools, businesses and – most importantly – people,” Matzie said. “The most important thing to remember is that this isn’t an ending – this is the beginning of a brighter economic future for the people of Aliquippa and proof that when we stand together, we can learn from our past and build a better tomorrow for our entire region with smart investments and state support.”
Aliquippa was first designated as a distressed municipality in September 1987. Under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, DCED assists municipalities that are experiencing severe financial difficulties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their citizens.
According to DCED, Aliquippa is the 27th Pennsylvania municipality to emerge from Act 47 status.
More about the act is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/local-government/act-47-financial-distress/.