EVANS, THE OARC & $29.3M

IT'S BEEN 28 years since state Rep. Dwight Evans created the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corp.

The nonprofit has long been known for successfully breathing new life into what were once forgotten and blighted sections of West Oak Lane.

Evans, who served for 20 years as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, helped secure millions in state funds for OARC's efforts - something that incensed many of his political rivals.

Just how much money are we talking about?

In the last decade, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, OARC received $29.3 million in state money, including:

* $5.5 million for OARC salaries and benefits;

* $4.5 million for the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival;

* $4 million for corridor stabilization;

* $2 million for marketing expenses;

* $1.8 million for real-estate acquisition and rehabilitation;

* $1.8 million for operating costs;

* $1 million for the Haines Street Housing Development.

- David Gambacorta & Chris Brennan