SMETHPORT — Launched in 2021, McKean County’s Act 152 Blight Demolition Program continues to make a significant impact by providing grant funding to remove unsafe, deteriorating structures and eliminate blighted properties across the county.

Funded through a fee collected by the Recorder of Deeds Office during the recording of deeds and mortgages, the program is helping to revitalize

neighborhoods across the county. Since its inception, the McKean County Blight Demolition Program has successfully removed 30 blighted properties, with project costs totaling $304,366.12. Of that, $218,176 was provided through Act 152 grant funding, while $86,190.12 came from local matches contributed by property owners or municipalities. The program continued its momentum in 2024, providing critical funding for the demolition of seven additional blighted buildings and properties. These projects took place in communities throughout McKean County, including three demolitions in the City of Bradford and one each in Round 2 of the 2025 Act 152 Blight Demolition Program is now underway. Applications for grant funding are currently being accepted and must be submitted by 4 p.m. June 13.

Applications will be reviewed later in June, with awards expected to be announced in mid-July. Grant guidelines and application forms — for both municipalities and private landowners — are available online at mckeancountypa. gov, or by contacting: Ann Robinson, economic development liaison, at (814) 887-3107 or arrobinson@mckeancountypa. gov; or Rick Fry, Planning Commission director, at (814) 887-2754 or rfry@mckeancountypa. gov.