HARRISBURG, Pa. — An innovative new partnership between the federal and state government will enable two Clarion County communities to recruit investment and create employment, Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) said on Friday.

Both Clarion Borough and Clarion Township have been nominated as part of the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program. The new program, which was signed into law by Congress but partners with the state to identify and recommend worthy communities, provides tax incentives for business owners to invest in projects to help address local challenges.

“Government works best when it can work together, and this new program seeks to direct investments to create stronger communities,” Oberlander said. “By offering tax credits for private investment and development, I’m hopeful that this new recruitment tool will allow these two communities to shine even brighter.”

As its overall goal, the program will generate funding for workforce development, affordable housing, infrastructure, and business development.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has 30 days to certify Pennsylvania’s recommendations.