Bill > HB1028

This bill establishes the Small Business Road Construction Mitigation Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to provide financial support to small businesses severely impacted by lengthy public utility road construction projects. The program defines a "qualified business" as a for-profit enterprise with 10 or fewer employees located in a designated "construction mitigation zone" where road construction by a public utility lasts more than 90 days. Businesses can apply for grants by demonstrating a significant decline in revenue directly attributable to the construction project, with grant amounts limited to the documented revenue loss or $15,000 per calendar year, whichever is less. The department will prioritize grant awards based on multiple criteria including revenue decline, project duration, proximity to construction, traffic disruption, and lack of parking or pedestrian access. The bill requires the department to develop an application process, provide assistance to businesses in documenting revenue loss, and publish an annual public report detailing grant recipients, amounts awarded, and impacting public utilities. Businesses that submit fraudulent documentation may be penalized with a fine up to double the grant amount. The program will be implemented within 180 days, with guidelines to be developed by the department, and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Business and Industry

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1028