The Borough of Tamaqua has made significant strides in its participation as a pilot for the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone Program.

The constant efforts of the borough and businesses involved have been rewarded, as Tamaqua has received an additional $571,000 for revitalization.

“Exposure of and participation in the CRIZ program has really expanded this year,” said Ann Marie Calabrese, Director of Community Development, Tamaqua Borough. “For those businesses in the zone, filing has increased to around 90%. This increased reporting with the state has resulted in increased funds coming back to our borough for acquisition, renovation and expansion of businesses within the designated CRIZ parcels.”

A “CRIZ” is an area up to 130 acres, consisting of parcels designated by an authority to capture state and local taxes for the purpose of improvement and development in that zone. CRIZ funding can be used for property acquisition, debt service, new construction and many other costs.

The CRIZ Program was established in 2013 and encourages growth in areas that have been underutilized. There are only two cities in the state that are included in the program; Lancaster and Bethlehem. Tamaqua is the only borough in Pennsylvania that is a part of the pilot program, which is overseen by the Department of Revenue, the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Governor’s Budget Office.

“I am extremely pleased with the progress we have made with the CRIZ this past year and wanted to thank our CRIZ partners for the tremendous support we received in 2018,” said Dan Evans, CRIZ Authority Chairman. “Clearly a positive economy and tremendous local support of our business community were key components to our achieving record funding levels for 2018.”

Monthly CRIZ meetings are public at the Tamaqua Borough Council Chambers on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. For more information, call 570-668-0300.

“I am excited to announce that we are currently working with a team of experts whose services and expertise will be able to assist those who are interested in starting a CRIZ project in 2020,” said Calabrese. “Requirements of potential projects include, but are not limited to, having a business plan, having financing in place and the use of prevailing wage. I cannot thank the businesses in the CRIZ enough for their continued cooperation. We are all working toward a common goal of revitalization in Tamaqua.”