Johnstown's status of 'distressed' ends after more than 30 years

JOHNSTOWN, Pa (WTAJ) — Johnstown's distressed municipality status is officially coming to an end after more than 30 years.

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) acting secretary Rick Siger announced Friday the approval of status from Johnstown under the Act 47 program.

Siger was joined by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Johnstown Mayor Frank Janakovic and other Cambria County officials to commemorate the accomplishment.

“I grew up in McKeesport, a steel town in western PA that’s similar to Johnstown in so many ways — including sometimes feeling a bit left behind by state and federal leaders,” Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said. “Governor Josh Shapiro and I believe that government can and should be a force for good in our lives, and we will never leave Pennsylvania communities behind. Today is the start of a new, bright chapter in Johnstown’s story. The Shapiro-Davis Administration has big plans for Pennsylvania, and I’m excited to see Johnstown flourish in the years to come.”

Johnstown is the 21st PA municipality to recover from distresse...