GLASS Report: Legislative Action Alert: Regular Session 2015-2016: Senate Bill 282

Short Title:  An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for a waterfront development tax credit.

Prime Sponsor: Senator VULAKOVICH

Last Action: Referred to FINANCE, Jan. 16, 2015 [Senate]

Memo: Waterfront Development Tax Credit

Printer's No.: 160*

MEMORANDUM

Posted:            December 18, 2014 03:18 PM

From:   Senator Randy Vulakovich and Sen. Jay Costa

To:       All Senate members

Subject:           Waterfront Development Tax Credit

We will soon be re-introducing SB 968, P.N. 1654, which would establish a Waterfront Development Tax Credit -- to encourage private investment in waterfront property and spur economic development, environmental improvements and public recreational enhancements.

Many municipalities, both urban and rural, are located on our Commonwealth’s rivers, lakes, creeks and other waterfronts.  These waterfront areas offer opportunities for economic development and public recreation which contribute to the livelihood of the municipality and the surrounding area as well as to the quality of life of residents and visitors.  However, these areas often require significant investment to re-develop due to barriers including abandoned industrial uses and contamination.  Despite the desire to enhance waterfront areas, access to sufficient funding presents a formidable obstacle.

The legislation we will introduce seeks to provide funds for waterfront development projects by creating a “Waterfront Development Tax Credit” which would be available to individuals or businesses that contribute to nonprofit waterfront improvement organizations.  Both the organizations and the projects would need approval by the Department of Community and Economic Development prior to participation in the tax credit program.  Contributions would be used for specific waterfront development projects, such as:  streets and public rights-of-way; waterfront parks, gardens and open spaces; access to public utilities, erosion control, storm water management and other environmental projects which promote economic development; water transportation facilities for use by the public, including water transit landings and boat docking; and amenities, including infrastructure and recreational projects.  Total tax credits which may be granted in any fiscal year are capped at $10 million.

Last session, SB 968 was sponsored by Senators Vulakovich, Blake, Boscola, Brewster, Browne, Costa, Erickson, Farnese, Ferlo, Fontana, Hughes, Pileggi, Rafferty, Scarnati, Smith, Tomlinson, Vogel, Ward, Waugh, and Wiley.

Please join us in sponsoring the Waterfront Development Tax Credit.  If you have any questions, please contact Nate Silcox of Sen. Vulakovich's staff at 717-787-6538.