Gov. Tom Wolf announced the approval of seven projects through the Municipal Assistance Program to assist local governments planning for zoning and updating of comprehensive plans.

The Department of Community and Economic Development recently approved $220,000 in funding for seven municipal projects throughout the state.

Funding from MAP assists local governments to plan for and efficiently implement municipal projects available in two groups of activities: shared services and community planning.

Locally, Carbon County was awarded $50,000 to update its comprehensive and greenway plan from 2013. The plan will be updated to provide a set of best practice policies for future development and conservation and will be created in two separate volumes. The first volume will include the comprehensive plan that will then inform the greenway, trail, and open space plan in volume two.

“We appreciate the state’s investment in Carbon County to help us update our comprehensive greenway plan, and it could not have come at a better time,” said Wayne Nothstein, Chairman, Carbon County Commissioners.

“Tourism is a huge industry in our county, where people come to visit to use our trails and view our beautiful mountains and to enjoy the recreation we have to offer here. This updated plan will help to ensure we keep Carbon County beautiful, protecting water quality, working farms and wildlife habits, while continuing to support economic growth opportunities spurred from our recreational assets.”

Other counties where projects were approved include Allegheny, Butler, Cumberland, Luzerne and Westmoreland. In addition, a grant was awarded to the North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission, which is comprised of Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Lycoming, Clinton, Elk, Cameron, Forest, Clearfield, Clarion, Jefferson, and northern Centre counties.

The Municipal Assistance Program provides technical resources and assistance for municipalities, consolidation, regional efforts as well as serving as a resource for local government officials, developers, and citizens interested in planning to improve, grow, and enhance communities.

“It is important for communities to evolve as the needs of their residents change,” Wolf said. “The MAP funding awarded today is essential in helping communities pave the way for the future through the reevaluation of zoning and comprehensive plans.”