The grant funding process is highly competitive, Capella added. I know a lot of communities that have been turned down. Neuhard said the state received more than 3,700 applications for CRP grants last year but only had enough money to approve 2,000. We can't fund everything. This is reality.
Harsh reality forces some communities to take matters into their own hands.
Brockway Council didn't even try to get money from the state. Hrinya called the state in July asking for a copy of the grant's guidelines but never received them. Mike Walsh, an aide to state Sen. Allen Kukovich of Westmoreland County, said many smaller communities don't apply for CRP grants because they don't think they have a chance at receiving funds because of Ridge's focus on job creation and retention. The state also holds seminars and training conferences around the state, ostensibly to acquaint local officials with the grant programs. DCED held a two- day conference last week in Harrisburg for officials of small communities and small businesses.