Department of Community and Economic Development secretary Rick Siger has announced the city of Aliquippa, located in Beaver County, has exited “distressed” status under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Program, known as Act 47.

Aliquippa was first designated as a distressed municipality on Dec. 22, 1987, largely due to an eroding tax base caused by a decline in industry.

The city has now become the 27th municipality to recover from Act 47 “distressed” status. Prior to Aliquippa, the most recent was Greenville, located in Mercer County.

“Today marks a bright, new chapter in Aliquippa’s story, and I want to commend the municipal officials, local residents, businesses and community leaders for making it a reality,” Siger said.