Secretary Carson Meets With Congressman Rotfus in Western Pennsylvania to Discuss Economic Opportunity and Affordable Housing

Press Release

United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson joins Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) in Western Pennsylvania to visit with local leaders, tour designated Opportunity Zones, and discuss affordable housing for families:

"The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, coupled with historic regulatory reform, has once again made our country the land of opportunity," said Congressman Rothfus. "A key provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that will help Western Pennsylvanians and revive economic prosperity in our local communities is the Opportunity Zone program. Parts of Aliquippa, Midland, Beaver Falls, McKees Rocks, Penn Hills, Neville Township and Pittsburgh, among other communities in Western Pennsylvania, have been designated as Opportunity Zones. This program will attract capital to areas that have long sought investment that can lead to more businesses, more jobs, and higher wages for Western Pennsylvanians."

"As a member of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, I am also committed to ensuring that hard working Western Pennsylvanians and their families have access to quality, affordable housing," continued Congressman Rothfus. "I thank Secretary Carson for his leadership on this issue and for joining me and local leaders like Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. By working together on common sense solutions, we can ensure that all Western Pennsylvanians have a brighter future. I look forward to continuing our important work."

"Opportunity Zones present enormous possibilities and can be a strong mechanism for development and investment in underserved communities in Western Pennsylvania and around the country," Secretary Carson said. "Through this new approach, investors can put their money to work in neighborhoods that need small businesses, infrastructure, and local economic enhancements. It's a win-win."

City of Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker said, "This is an exciting opportunity for the community of Aliquippa, as well as myself, to meet and exchange information about what can be accomplished with the assistance of HUD and Opportunity Zone Program. This is an important program because it will help bring investment back into our community, restoring hope and opportunity for hardworking Western Pennsylvanians and families. I also want to thank HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson and Regional Administrator Joe DeFelice for being a part of this significant discussion, coming together to find meaningful solutions that will benefit the people I represent."

"I want to thank Governor Tom Wolf for his leadership in nominating the City of Aliquippa for this vehicle to support and attract investment opportunity and foster startup activity. I also thank Congressman Keith Rothfus for his leadership and work to support the Opportunity Zone program. I realize that this opportunity zones program will provide tax breaks intended to encourage long term investment in impoverished areas around the county, such as Aliquippa, Midland, and Beaver Falls. Thank you again and I look forward to continuing working together to lift our community."

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