Pennsylvania HB 1794: An Act providing for the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program; establishing the Waterfront Redevelopment Fund; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2207
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1794
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY GALLAGHER, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, HILL-EVANS, GIRAL,
FREEMAN, PIELLI, KENYATTA, POWELL, PROKOPIAK, SANCHEZ,
PARKER, STEELE, SCHLOSSBERG, HOHENSTEIN, NEILSON, DONAHUE,
T. DAVIS, GREEN, CIRESI AND K.HARRIS, AUGUST 10, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, RECREATION AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, AUGUST 11, 2025
AN ACT
Providing for the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program;
establishing the Waterfront Redevelopment Fund; and imposing
powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic
Development.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Waterfront
Redevelopment Grant Program Act.
Section 2. Legislative intent.
The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) The primary objectives of this act are to revitalize
coastal waters and waterfronts across this Commonwealth,
create new jobs and stimulate private investment, increase
property values and provide waterfront access for the public.
(2) The establishment of a grant program to provide
money for waterfront redevelopment across this Commonwealth
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would protect and enhance the health and well-being of our
Commonwealth's environment.
(3) A vibrant and healthy environment, especially along
the coastal waters and waterfronts of this Commonwealth,
would improve the overall health and well-being of citizens
throughout this Commonwealth.
Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Applicant." Any of the following seeking a grant under the
program:
(1) A municipal or county government or other political
subdivision.
(2) An industrial or economic development or
redevelopment authority or entity.
"Department." The Department of Community and Economic
Development of the Commonwealth.
"Fund." The Waterfront Redevelopment Fund established under
section 5.
"Program." The Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program
established under section 4(a)(1).
"Waterfront redevelopment plan." A plan that provides for
the improvement of a waterfront and meets the requirements under
section 4(c).
Section 4. Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program.
(a) Establishment and purpose.--
(1) The Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program is
established and shall be administered by the department.
(2) The purpose of the program is to issue grants to
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protect and revitalize coastal waters and waterfronts across
this Commonwealth.
(b) Application.--
(1) An applicant must submit a written grant application
to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the
department.
(2) An application under this section must include the
following information:
(i) A detailed description of the project and how
the grant would be used, including any private sector
participation.
(ii) A copy of the waterfront redevelopment plan
required under subsection (c) for the area in which the
project is to be located.
(iii) An explanation of how the project will
contribute significantly to economic and community
redevelopment or the revitalization of adjacent
communities.
(iv) An explanation of how the project will provide
for public access to the waterfront or will provide
recreational opportunities for the public, if applicable.
(v) If the project includes the purchase of
property, an identification of the intended use of the
property and a timeline for redevelopment of the
property.
(vi) The total cost of the project and the source of
the matching funds required under subsection (f)(2).
(vii) A detailed description of the practices the
applicant will implement and maintain to control nonpoint
source pollution from the project site.
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(viii) Other information that the department may
require.
(c) Waterfront redevelopment plan.--An applicant shall
prepare a waterfront redevelopment plan. The waterfront
redevelopment plan, at a minimum, must:
(1) Clearly designate the geographic area included
within the waterfront planning area.
(2) Identify the economic impact on the improved area,
the surrounding neighborhood and the region in which the
waterfront planning area is located.
(3) Provide any additional information as required by
the department for waterfront redevelopment plans.
(d) Publication and notice.--The department shall transmit
notice of the program's availability to the Legislative
Reference Bureau for publication in the next available issue of
the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(e) Department action.--
(1) The department shall review each application for a
grant under the program and, within 60 days of receipt of the
applicat