Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. presented two area agencies with a total of $128,000 in funding for community projects on Thursday (10/12) at a news conference at the Danville Municipal Building.

The funding is part of PP&L's Community Partnership Program to address the needs of communities in the utility's 10,000-square-mile service area. The program focuses on urban revitalization, affordable housing and support for small businesses.

"The funding demonstrates our continued commitment to helping the communities we serve meet increasing needs," said Rod Keller, PP&L's Bloomsburg/Danville-area community development director. "Initiatives like these help reaffirm the integral role we play in community development and the value of promoting prosperity in our service area."

Keller said the company received 71 proposals for funding from numerous organizations throughout PP&L's 29-county service area in Central Eastern Pennsylvania. Four were from Columbia and Montour counties. PP&L will fund 41 projects sponsored by 39 different agencies.

The projects to be funded in the Danville and Bloomsburg area include:

• Borough of Danville — $53,725
  To implement streetscape improvements such as trees, lighting and landscaping on Mill Street and Continental Boulevard and riverfront improvements along the Susquehanna River in downtown Danville. The grant also will provide curbs and sidewalks on Railroad Street and weatherization activities for low-income residents of the area.
• Columbia County Housing Authority — $75,000
  To offer closing cost and down payment assistance for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers in Columbia County.

"We recognize there are many issues that need support of this kind," Keller said. "Through our Community Partnership Program, we're willing to step up to the plate to help as many organizations as possible.

"Our business is our communities," he added. "To the extent we invest in their financial health, our long-term corporate health improves, too. Putting forth these kind of initiatives helps us effectively partner with communities to address real needs and improve quality of life."

Funding for PP&L's Community Partnership Program comes from shareowners. The company will continue the program for the next three years on a pilot basis. After that, PP&L will re-evaluate the program. Funding for local projects will be considered annually.