Governor Shapiro Announces $64M Investment in PA SITES for Business Growth

Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration is taking steps to invigorate Pennsylvania’s economy through the PA SITES initiative, targeting the development of industrial sites to foster business growth and job creation within the Commonwealth.

Significant Investment in Pennsylvania's Economic Landscape

Bedford, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, has announced a substantial investment of $64 million into 11 projects via the first round of the PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program. This initiative is designed to establish shovel-ready industrial sites across Pennsylvania to attract new investments and job opportunities.

One of the highlighted projects involves a $2.8 million grant awarded to the Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) for the development of the Bedford County Business Park III. This project will transform 151 acres into a business hub with nine lots, varying from 20.9 acres to 1 acre, incorporating essential infrastructure such as water and sewer lines.

Program Development and Goals

The PA SITES program, inspired by feedback from national site selectors, reflects Governor Shapiro’s vision to enhance Pennsylvania's competitiveness in economic development. Through bipartisan efforts, he has secured $500 million for site development in the 2024-25 budget, with $400 million dedicated to PA SITES. This strategic move positioned Pennsylvania as a top contender for regional economic competitiveness in the Northeast, according to Site Selector Magazine.

DCED plays a crucial role in administering this program, continuing to process applications and distribute funding based on need, marketability, and alignment with Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy.

Community Impact and Future Plans

Bette Slayton, President and CEO of BCDA, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “This investment comes at a critical time. Our first two business parks are nearly fully occupied, and the lack of shovel-ready sites has limited our ability to support local business expansion and attract new employers to the region.”

Additional funding recipients include projects in Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Franklin, Luzerne, and Washington Counties, as well as significant investment in Philadelphia. For instance, Berks County received $2,308,173 for utility infrastructure development at the Southern Berks Industrial Park, and Philadelphia's Navy Yard will see a $30,000,000 investment to develop commercial spaces targeting life sciences and manufacturing.

Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of these developments, saying, “Our strategy recognizes that in order to compete and create opportunity, we need to invest. These sites are key to growing our economy, creating more jobs, and thriving communities.”

Through strategic initiatives like PA SITES, Pennsylvania aims to foster an environment conducive to business growth and economic resilience, ensuring a prosperous future for its communities.