Program areas at Northeastern Penna Alliance
Business Development-During the past year EDCNP closed 53 loans for a total of $12,394,650 and leveraged $24,267,130 in private/ public financing. EDCNP's development assistance resulted in 374 jobs being retained or created. 84 entrepreneurs and small businesses were counseled. EDCNP assisted 54 businesses in various aspects of exporting and acquired 8 new clients. Companies reported 171 export actions and 25 clients reported $113,007,920 in export sales and 1017 jobs being retained or created. EDCNP promoted "Bringing the World to Pa" which was hosted by PA's Authorized Trade Representatives highlighting international markets, trends, and industry sectors. EDCNP also offered five educational webinars and partnered to host events promoting the Pennsylvania Global Access Program. EDCNP assisted companies with receiving prime contract awards totaling $301,378,902 & state/local government awards totaling $2,601,389 which in total supported 452 jobs. EDCNP conducted 78 initial counseling sessions with area businesses and 3,516 follow-up sessions.
Planning & Government-During the past year EDCNP provided comprehensive transportation planning, government & community development support, GIS and research assistance within the region. The Transportation Services Division maintains the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Long Range Transportation Plan for the NEPA Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). During the past year, EDCNP continued developing an update of the region's Transportation Improvement Program (2023 - 2026 TIP), provided infrastructure asset mapping and GIS support, completed a Parking, Traffic Circulation and Complete Streets Analysis for Milford Borough, and managed the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) which provides technical training for elected and municipal officials and road maintenance crews. Staff also successfully secured $3 million in congressional appropriations funding toward the reconstruction of the Columbia Arch Street Bridge in Schuylkill County. In coordination with four other adjoining MPO planning areas, EDCNP is participating in the development of the Eastern Pennsylvania Freight Alliance Plan. EDCNP also collected Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data on the extent, condition, performance, use and operating characteristics of the region's highways at over 90 locations within the NEPA MPO region.
Economic & Community Development-During the past year EDCNP operated the nonprofit assistance and research/information centers, the Blue Ribbon Task Force, maintained the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) plan, administered StartUp NEPA (an Angel Investment Fund), provided economic impact modeling services, business retention services, offered grant seeking and writing services and assisted clients with developing community financing options (loans, tax credits, grants) for projects.