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Lead Entity: Fay-Penn Economic Development Council

State: Pennsylvania
Counties (Census Tracts): Fayette (2607, 2614, 2615, 2619, 2623, 2626)
Community Population: 27,216
Poverty Rate: 27.0%
Net Area: 84 square miles

• The most distressed county in Pennsylvania
• The second highest welfare rate in the state
• Highest childhood poverty rate in the state (30.2%)

Fayette includes parts of three townships and two cities (Connelsville and Uniontown). Fayette County was once dependent on the coal and coke industry, and is part of a state enterprise zone because of its distressed conditions. Employers have indicated that the quality of the local workforce skills is insufficient to meet their needs. A strong agricultural community with 757 farms in the county. Fayette is rich in history and tourism. The State Theatre Center for the Arts is a vital cultural resource. Yough River Trail is a major tourist attraction. It has been recognized as one of the top 10 trails in the world.

• Education - Computer training for residents through three "televillages"; create three job/career resource center
• Health Care – Develop Wellness Center through use of mobile van; increase health education and screenings
• Homeless and Abuse Shelters – Renovate and modify 32 rooms at YMCA as a woman and children shelter
• Community Facilities – Construct or develop community center facilities
• Cultural/Historic/Tourism – Rehabilitate the State Theatre Center for the Arts; Construct Sheepskin Trail; preserve rare historical & genealogical collections by microfilming.

There is an abundance of state, local and private organizations committed to implementing the initiatives in the plan.

A key objective in the Fayette Enterprise Community funding is to leverage its financial commitment with local, state and other federal financial resources. The community is proposing to raise $21 million in local and/or private matches for EC funding.

Widespread participation from citizens. Plan displayed at the local mall for residents to provide input. Outreach via cable TV, radio, mailings and the Internet.

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