News Releases from Region 03

Aliquippa Economic Development Corp. gets federal support for community revitalization, local food initiatives

WASHINGTON (May 7, 2019) Today, in support of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service and the Northern Border Regional Commission in announcing assistance to help 15 communities with revitalization strategies that boost the local economy, improve health, and protect the environment. The assistance is provided through Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP), a federal initiative that helps communities reinvest in existing neighborhoods and improve quality of life as they develop the local food economy.

The designated communities include the city of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania where the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation is working to improve fresh food access for downtown residents and spur additional investment in the community.

“EPA is proud to partner with USDA and the Northern Border Regional Commission to offer support to communities looking to develop their local food economy,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Support for local food initiatives can improve access to fresh foods, support farmers, grow new businesses, and protect the environment.” 

“Aliquippa is excited to be selected to receive technical assistance guidance through the Local Foods, Local Places program,” said Donald C. Walker III, chairman of the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation. “We are most appreciative of this opportunity to address the issues of access to fresh foods, healthy lifestyles and a healthy downtown to benefit the residents of Aliquippa.” 

LFLP partner communities work with a team of agricultural, environmental, public health and regional economic development experts to set goals and identify local assets that can support the local food economy. Communities also develop an action plan and identify potential resources from the participating federal agencies to support implementation.

Since its launch in 2014, LFLP has helped 93 communities across the country develop local food enterprises, such as farmers markets, community gardens and cooperative grocery stores, that improve environmental, economic and health outcomes.

The 2019 partner communities were selected from more than 70 applications. For information on all 15 LFLP community projects, visit: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places#2019

For more information on LFLP: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places