State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Philadelphia city council close to approving major program funded by soda tax money

American City and County: Nearly one year after passing a soda/sugary drinks tax, the Philadelphia city council has given initial approval for a new infrastructure program called Rebuild, towards which a portion of the tax money will go.

A city council committee voted on June 15 to approve a bill that will determine how funds for the proposed Rebuild program will be distributed, Curbed Philadelphia reports. The Rebuild program, which will be voted on next week, would renovate Philadelphia’s aging infrastructure, according to Philly Voice.

“Today’s hearing was a critical step towards launching Rebuild,” David Gould, deputy director of community engagement for the project, said in a statement, per Philly.com. “The amendments allow us to target resources to the areas that need it most, while also maximizing diversity on work sites and delivering projects efficiently and effectively.”

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