The Brightwood Civic Group was the biggest beneficiary of the funds, being allotted a $125,000 loan that will have to be paid back, and a $75,000 grant that will not. The money will go towards revitalizing Woodlands Avenue.
In order to receive the funds, which totaled $1 million, projects had to show why they were in need of the money and how much of an impact their projects would be on the community. Seventeen projects were considered, but only eleven were chosen to receive funds this year.
"This is a great opportunity for some of the areas in Pennsylvania to be cleaned up, and that is only possible because of the funding that has been produced because of the new gaming laws in the state," said Harlow Burns. "I'm just happy my community can benefit from the funding, and I hope it will create a nicer environment in the future."
Pennsylvania has been one of the states that has expanded casino gambling at a rapid rate. Last year, lawmakers approved table games for casinos in the state, and by July the table games were operational at most casinos. The additional gaming brought in millions of extra dollars in tax revenue for the state.
Like other states, gambling expansion was not always a given. Lawmakers debated for several years the merits of bringing casino resorts to Pennsylvania, but those opposed to the idea now can look at the North Side and see how much the gaming revenue was needed.
"Without casinos, this would not have been possible," said Paul Berry. "I'm just thankful that our lawmakers were able to see the economic impact that casinos could have, and I'm glad the money is being put to good use."
March 15, 2011
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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