New State funding helps local businesses, daycare centers in Wilkes-Barre [Video]

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — State officials in Luzerne County announced $36 million in funding to help bolster local businesses through the Neighborhood Assistance Program.

“These NAP credits are going to support projects that bolster art programs, help prevent gun violence, improve people’s homes, and develop affordable housing,” said Secretary Rick Siger of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. 

The millions of dollars in new state funds were approved under Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024 state budget. They will be funneled into the neighborhood assistance program in communities across Pennsylvania, in cities like Wilkes-Barre.

The program provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations, and it already has a proven track record downtown. 

“A year to date, seven new businesses have opened in storefronts in the block that we’re standing today. In this block, there are 88 new apartments that didn’t exist …