Governor Shapiro Awards $64M for Economic Growth in Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro's Initiative to Boost Pennsylvania's Economic Landscape

In a significant move to foster economic development, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a $64 million investment to enhance the state's business potential. This funding, directed towards the development of 11 strategic sites through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program, is set to prepare vast areas of land for business expansion, drawing in new companies and creating well-paying jobs across the state.

The PA SITES initiative is a cornerstone of Governor Shapiro's comprehensive economic development strategy, aiming to make Pennsylvania a more competitive and attractive place for businesses by establishing shovel-ready sites. This approach is expected to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and opportunities for residents in every region.

Strategic Funding Allocations

The initial round of funding targets various counties, each receiving crucial financial support to transform specific sites into thriving business hubs:

• Bedford County – $2.8 million for nine shovel-ready lots at Bedford County Business Park III.
• Berks County – $2.3 million to extend utilities for 107 acres at Southern Berks Industrial Park.
• Bucks County – $2 million for developing 6.9 acres at Crownwood Industrial Park for a new facility.
• Cumberland County – $10.2 million to redevelop the former Frog Switch & Manufacturing Co. site.
• Dauphin County – $247,000 for planning the redevelopment of the Crawford Power Generation Station.
• Fayette County – $821,000 to initiate Phase I of the Lemont Rail Park site.
• Franklin County – $4.6 million to expand Wharf Road Industrial Park for manufacturing.
• Luzerne County – $4.1 million loan for a rail-connected site in Humboldt Industrial Park North.
• Philadelphia County – $30 million to develop the Navy Yard Greenway District.
• Washington County – $250,000 for development study of a former mining site.
• Westmoreland County – $6.9 million for rehabilitating buildings at New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has received 66 applications requesting over $377 million, with more funding announcements expected throughout the year.

Voices from Across the State

Local leaders and stakeholders have expressed optimism about the impact of these investments. Bette Slayton, President and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, stated, “This grant is truly a game-changer. It gives us the ability to develop and proactively market new ‘shovel-ready’ sites — something that’s absolutely critical for attracting new employers.”

Bedford County Commissioner Mike Stiles acknowledged the collaborative effort in realizing these projects, noting, “The support of federal, state, and local leaders, and a lot of forward thinkers, have made things happen. The shovel-ready sites plan from Gov. Shapiro is a shot in the arm for Bedford County.”

In Philadelphia, Mark Seltzer, Managing Director of Ensemble, emphasized the significance of investments in the Navy Yard, saying, “This investment accelerates our shared vision to create pad-ready sites to continue to attract top-tier businesses and position Philadelphia as a national hub for advanced industries.”

For more information about the Shapiro Administration's economic initiatives, visit the Governor Shapiro’s Budget website and explore how the Administration is creating economic opportunity to boost Pennsylvania's economy.