Press Releases

Pittston, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the NEPA Alliance received $70,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS).

“Economic development is my top priority,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “We need strategic plans and the full engagement of community and private sector leaders across the region to move us toward greater growth and prosperity. Funding programs like this make it possible for the NEPA Alliance to set goals and provide support for development projects.”

“The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) thanks the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the grant award, which will be used for developing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) of the seven-county Northeastern Pennsylvania region,” said Jeffrey K. Box, President and CEO of NEPA Alliance. “Completing a CEDS is a requirement for the region to be eligible to receive funds from EDA for economic development projects.  NEPA also thanks Congressman Cartwright for his support.”

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), headquartered in Pittston, is a regional multi-county economic development agency providing leadership, planning, expertise, and services to regional and local governments, businesses, institutions and individuals to enhance the economic development and quality of life of the area. They will use these grant funds to develop a CEDS for their service region, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties. The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration's investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States.