Bethlehem and Easton, which have their own economic development departments, are fairly aggressive about chasing every public dollar they can to attract and retain jobs. But what about smaller communities like Nazareth, where the closure of just a few storefronts make a proud borough look like a ghost town?

Economic development in the smaller communities was a campaign theme for Northampton County Executive John Brown. As Bangor's mayor, he had firsthand experience with the difficulties of job creation. Monday, standing inside Nazareth's Mosaic on Main, he announced plans to help the county's smaller communities, from Allen Township to Wind Gap.

It's called the Community Investment Partnership Program, or CIPP, and will be funded by table game revenue from the Sands Casino. While slots revenue grants are closely monitored by a gaming board established by council, state gambling law permits table games revenue to be spent on anything that's in the best interest of the county.

Last year, Brown authorized a $42,000 grant to Easton for the purchase of a downtown trolley to relieve parking concerns. But there was no funding program in place, leading to concerns that a slush fund was being established in which money could be doled out at election time. The CIPP program, however, which includes a detailed grant application process and involves the use of the General Purpose Authority, provides a structure under which all 38 of the county's fragmented municipalities can revitalize aging communities.

County Director of Community and Economic Development Diane Donaher said two communities have already been identified for technical assistance grants to help jump start a re-birth of their ageing communities. She is unable to name them, however, until the local governments signal their agreement.

In addition to technical assistance, the county will offer community improvement grants for facades and streetscapes. There will be operations grants to help fund personnel like a regional code enforcement officer, who can work in several communities. There will also be business boost loans, run through the General Purpose Authority, of up to $150,000.

The grant application process in ongoing until July 31, and can be found at the . There will be matching requirements. "This is not a charity," said Brown.

Brown summed it up by saying the program will "help our downtowns and small communities do what they need to do."

After the news conference was over, everyone moved to the Expresso Cafe next door for a caffeine boost.