HARRISBURG — Having freshly signed a bill aimed at giving him unprecedented power to take control of the finances in Pennsylvania’s capital, Gov. Tom Corbett expects to declare a fiscal emergency in Harrisburg soon.

A spokeswoman said today that Corbett’s office is working on the paperwork for Harrisburg and the governor expects to sign it as early as next week.

A bill Corbett signed earlier today opens the door to what observers say is the most aggressive intervention yet by the state government into the affairs of a Pennsylvania city.

Corbett must first declare a city to be in a state of fiscal emergency. After that, he can order a troubled city to obey financial plans drawn up by his appointees.

Last week, the city filed for federal bankruptcy protection.