Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolfe says his $4.5-billion Restore Pennsylvania infrastructure plan would help rid Philadelphia of blighted buildings.

PHILADELPHIA—Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolfe held a district tour on Friday of North Philadelphia with State Representative Malcom Kenyatta to tout his ambitious $4.5-billion Restore Pennsylvania infrastructure plan.

“Blight threatens residents' health and safety, costs local governments for enforcement and maintenance, reduces property values and tax revenue, and makes communities less attractive for current residents,” said Gov. Wolf. “Some of these blighted properties have real potential but a lack of funding has prevented communities from large initiatives that would allow them to be redeveloped. Restore Pennsylvania is what our communities deserve to create a bright economic future for residents and businesses.”

Gov. Wolf announced earlier this year an ambitious infrastructure initiative funded by the monetization of a severance tax on natural gas extraction. The new Restore Pennsylvania plan would invest $4.5 billion over the next four years in significant high-impact projects throughout the commonwealth.