Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. presented two Sunbury-area agencies with more than $100,000 in funding for community projects on Thursday (10/12) at a news conference at PP&L's Sunbury Service Center.

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 helps demonstrate our continued commitment to helping the communities we serve meet increasing needs," said Bob Ruffaner, PP&L's Sunbury-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."

Ruffaner said the company received 71 proposals for funding from numerous organizations throughout PP&L's 29-county service area in Central Eastern Pennsylvania. Three were from Northumberland County. PP&L will fund 41 projects sponsored by 39 different agencies.

The projects to be funded in the Sunbury area include:

• Housing Authority of Northumberland County — $40,000
  To provide closing cost assistance for low-to-moderate income families to further the development of an affordable housing program for first- time homebuyers in Northumberland County.
• SEDA-Council of Governments — $62,000
  To provide weatherization of homes for potential first-time homeowners.

"We recognize there are many issues that need support of this kind," Ruffaner 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.