Nesquehoning is joining forces with the three other Panther Valley communities in hopes of getting a designation that could lead to revitalization, development and redevelopment.

On Wednesday, borough council approved submitting a letter of support to be included with the application for Summit Hill, Lansford, Nesquehoning and Coaldale to become a Blueprint Community.

Councilwoman Abbie Guardiani said that the four communities have been meeting and working on the application to receive the designation. The application is due Dec. 1.

“If we are chosen as a Blueprint Community, it is a 10-year designation,” she said, noting that a plan would then be designed to implement initiatives for the communities.

“This is an incredible opportunity for revitalization, development and redevelopment,” Guardiani said. “We are hoping and praying to get this designation. It’s a lot of work but if it comes through, it puts us in a great position to see changes in all of our towns.”

A Blueprint Community is part of an initiative through FHLBank Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and an advisory team.

It is open to municipalities with populations fewer than 30,000 and supports regional revitalization through various resources that are available through the program.

To date, $500 million has been leveraged in public and private funding for the program; with 66 communities that have participated or are participating.

Last month, Lansford Borough Council heard from state Sen. David Argall’s office, which urged them to join the team for the training program.

At that time, Lansford heard that the Blueprint Communities program opens doors to federal and national nonprofit and foundation funding sources, state funding sources and more.

Communities that are accepted into the program will be notified in April.

Prior communities who have gone through the program include Tamaqua, which was an original participant.