HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Community and Economic Development will hold a public hearing at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, to discuss the City of Reading's request for financial assistance as part of its adopted Act 47 recovery plan.

The public hearing will be held at the Reading Municipal Building, City Council Chambers, 815 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601.

Act 47 requires the hearing because the city's recovery plan included a request for funding. The hearing will give Act 47 coordinators, city officials and other interested parties an opportunity to testify on the city's request.

In November 2009, Reading became the 19th municipality determined to be financially distressed under Act 47 of 1987.

The law directs the state to provide oversight and develop a formal partnership with cities that are financially distressed to ensure that taxpayers receive vital services. Pennsylvania's oversight includes fiscal management, technical assistance, planning and financial aid, with emphasis on long-term fiscal management improvements, service delivery efficiencies, intergovernmental cooperation, and economic/community development activities.

Individuals requiring special accommodations to attend the hearing should contact the department at least five days before the hearing. For further information, contact Fred Banuelos, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, or 888-223-6837.

For more information on the resources available for local governments experiencing financial distress or additional information about Act 47, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Jamie Yates, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development