Chester Economic Development Authority Selected to Receive Assistance Through the National Thriving Communities Program

Released: April 20, 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced assistance through the Thriving Communities Program to help 64 communities across the country gain access to historic funding opportunities provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The Chester Economic Development Authority, through assistance from the Delaware County Planning Department and the Delaware County Commerce Center, was one of 64 communities across the nation to be named a recipient of the competitive program.

The program provides two years of no-cost intensive technical assistance to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to help identify, develop, and deliver transportation projects that strengthen communities. Thriving Communities funding will help selected communities get technical assistance for a variety of tasks – from preparing application materials and predevelopment activities, to deploying innovative community engagement, workforce development, and clean technology strategies.

“The Thriving Communities assistance will support the leadership in Chester in working towards addressing quality of life and economic developmental needs that will benefit the Chester community,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther. “The program will give Chester leadership better access to federal funding for transportation projects that will create jobs, improve safety, and strengthen the economy in Chester.”

The Thriving Communities Program prioritized the selection of disadvantaged communities that are working to advance projects to improve health outcomes, reduce housing and transportation cost burdens and improve housing conditions, preserve or expand jobs, and increase reliable mobility options for disadvantaged communities and households to better access health care, food, education, and other essential destinations.

“Chester has experienced a historic underinvestment and disadvantage for decades and the Thriving Communities Program offers technical assistance to explore innovative concepts and create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable community,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “This program is an example of how communities, municipalities, and the County can work together to create a better Delco.”

Thriving Communities is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ensuring that all communities have an equal opportunity to benefit from federal infrastructure funding. USDOT’s technical assistance is part of the Thriving Communities Network, an interagency initiative among the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Energy, Commerce, and Agriculture, as well as the General Services Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

More information about the Thriving Communities Program and selected communities is available here: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/thriving-communities