Corbett: West Hazleton, Pa., Exits Act 47

West Hazleton Borough exited Pennsylvania's Act 47 program for distressed municipalities, according to Gov. Tom Corbett.

Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker made the determination, Corbett said in an Oct. 23 statement. Walker reviewed audits and other financial data, and the record from a June 3 public hearing.

West Hazleton, with a 4,600 population in Luzerne County, sits between Harrisburg and Scranton.

A hearing officer's report revealed that in 2013, the borough experienced a $5,423 budget surplus and that its finances are stable.

The DCED, which oversees the workout program, labeled West Hazleton distressed in 2003. The borough reported a shortfall of more than $850,000 a year earlier, represented 60% of its then-general fund budget.

The departures this year of West Hazleton and Millbourne leaves 20 communities in Act 47, named for its enabling legislation in 1987. Shamokin applied to join this year, while Westfall Township has applied to exit.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Bankruptcy Pennsylvania
MORE FROM BOND BUYER