Studies identify growth trouble ahead

MILFORD — Recent studies conclude that many communities are unable to provide the services and infrastructure required for economic growth. One of these was a rural policy brief “Strengthening Rural Pennsylvania: An Integrated Approach to a Prosperous Commonwealth.” This rural policy brief drew upon insights provided by local residents and officials from five rural areas across the state. One of these locations was the Milford area. As might be expected, some important issues identified in the Milford listening session were unique to areas experiencing rapid change and population growth. Others mirrored the concerns raised by participants in every other rural listening session location. The rural policy brief was prepared by a team of researchers from Penn State, in cooperation with the Brookings Institute. In addition to the policy brief, the Brookings Institute report “Committing to Prosperity: Moving Forward on the Agenda to Renew Pennsylvania” and the PA Economy League (PEL) report “Structuring Healthy Communities Part 1: Revenue Generation and Fiscal Health” had similar findings. The reports also note, however, that the potential to modify these and other stark trends rests with continued systemic policy reform at both state and local levels. The reports recommend changes that modernize traditional approaches to Pennsylvania governance. As a follow-up to the listening session held in Milford, a public meeting will be held Nov. 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Biondo Bldg. to review the findings and recommendations. Pre-registration is required by Friday, Nov 9. To pre-register contact the Pike County Cooperative Extension office at 570-296-3400, or by e-mail at PikeExt@psu.edu .