PA to Invest Federal Recovery Act Funds to Create Safer, Stronger Communities Through Weed and Seed Initiative

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania is investing $1.36 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to help rid neighborhoods of crime and lay the groundwork for more socially and economically vibrant communities.

The funds, which are being made available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, will help support site coordinators and community and police liaisons in the state's 17 Weed and Seed communities.

The Weed and Seed initiative supports collaborative efforts among residents, local leaders, law enforcement, faith and community-based organizations and other stakeholders that "weed" neighborhoods of drugs, guns, nuisance bars and violent offenders. It also works to "seed" communities with economic and social programs that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and a lack of job skills training.

The new site coordinator positions made possible through the Recovery Act funding will develop strategic plans to build and sustain opportunities in the communities, while managing the day-to-day operations of the program. Community and police liaisons will coordinate and oversee law enforcement activities and programs funded by the effort.

Applications must be received through PCCD's Egrants system by April 30. Eligibility requirements, special conditions and information on how to apply is available at www.pccd.state.pa.us by clicking "Grant Opportunities," and then "Funding."

PCCD works to prevent and reduce crime and respond to the needs of victims. PCCD collaborates with state and local agencies and officials, victim service providers, juvenile and criminal justice agencies, community-based organizations and others to achieve those goals.

For more information on how federal Recovery Act funding is being invested to benefit Pennsylvanians and their communities, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

Media contact: Tara Mead, 717-265-8470

Editor's note: The state's 17 Weed and Seed-designated communities are: Aliquippa, Allentown, Chester, Coatesville, Easton, Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, McKeesport, New Kensington/Arnold, Norristown, Oil City, Reading, Sharon-Farrell, Uniontown, Wilkinsburg and York.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency