Live and Work Clinton County program brings new residents to county

LOCK HAVEN, PA – In February 2022, the Clinton County Commissioners launched a relocation incentive program to encourage people to move to Clinton County. The pilot program began by working with employers who were having difficulty finding employees to fill vacant jobs. Since then, the program has expanded to give realtors the option of incentivizing potential home buyers from out of the county.

The Live and Work Clinton County program is a two-year monetary incentive program that offers working individuals who live at least ten miles outside of Clinton County limits to relocate into the county. Funding for the program came via the American Rescue Plan Act designated to Clinton County. The program is tiered based on family size. Year one is used as a reimbursement for relocation expenses or paid in lieu of invoices incurred. Year two is paid to the new resident with no strings attached if they are still employed and still live in Clinton County.

Recently, the program saw its first applicant receive their incentive. Gary Dailey relocated to Renovo from the Harrisburg area after accepting a position at the Bucktail Medical Center.

“I love the outdoors and so do my children. I am really enjoying the area. It’s a nice change of pace from the suburbs of Harrisburg,” said Dailey.

Matt Croak, Clinton County Community Planner and facilitator of the program was on hand to deliver Dailey’s Live and Work packet. “So far we have had eight applicants and have been able to deliver five checks to new residents. We’ve seen steady interest since the program was launched” said Croak.

In addition to Dailey, the new leader of the Lock Haven University Football program has also taken advantage of the incentive. Head coach Dan Mulrooney and his family have relocated to Clinton County from Massachusetts.

Clinton County Commissioner, Angela Harding who spearheaded the program with the support of her fellow commissioners (Miles Kessinger and Jeff Snyder) said the program is something new and therefore took a month or so to get off the ground. “We continue to evaluate the program and focus on new ways to promote and expand it. The ultimate goal is to bring new people and families to our community, which will in turn improve our economy and our census. We have so much to offer and so much room for growth, it is imperative that we find new ways to attract residents”.

To date, program recipients have been employed by Bucktail Medical Center, Lock Haven University, and the Clinton County Correctional Facility. “We want potential applicants to know that they can work anywhere. The employment doesn’t have to be in Clinton County. It can be remote or in a neighboring county,” said Croak.

For more information about the Live and Work Clinton County relocation program visit the Clinton County Government website and go to the Planning Department’s webpage. Questions regarding the program can be directed to Matt Croak at mcroak@clintoncountypa.gov or by calling 570.893.4080 extension 3253.