Governor Shapiro Invests $39M in 11 Projects for Economic Growth in PA

Efforts to Transform Pennsylvania's Economic Landscape: Shapiro Administration's Strategic Investment in Shovel-Ready Sites

In a bid to position Pennsylvania as a prime destination for business investment, Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled a significant funding initiative aimed at developing shovel-ready industrial sites. These efforts, under the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program, are set to transform underutilized parcels into vibrant economic hubs.

Since its inception, the PA SITES program has seen an investment of $113.6 million across 29 projects. These endeavors are part of a larger $500 million commitment secured by Governor Shapiro in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget, with $400 million earmarked specifically for PA SITES. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Governor's Economic Development Strategy.

Mayfield, PA – The recent announcement by Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger in Mayfield highlights a $39 million investment into 11 new projects under the PA SITES program. This funding is aimed at making industrial sites across the Commonwealth more attractive for businesses, thereby fostering job creation and economic growth.

Governor Shapiro emphasized the transformative nature of the program, stating, “When I came into office, I made it clear that Pennsylvania would compete again — and now we’re not just competing, we’re winning.” The Governor's remarks underscore the state's commitment to revitalizing vacant lands into productive areas that offer substantial economic opportunities.

One of the pivotal projects receiving PA SITES funding is by Century Development Associates, LLC, in Lackawanna County. The initiative involves a $6 million grant to develop manufacturing or logistics sites on a 230-acre former coal mine property. This project is projected to cost $100 million for full development, including warehouse construction.

Additionally, the Borough of Mayfield has secured a $14.9 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage (AML/AMLER) Grant Program. This funding will facilitate the reclamation of approximately 87 acres of the site, preparing it for further development under PA SITES.

To streamline the development process, Century Development has been placed on the Governor’s PA Permit Fast Track Program, resulting in expedited permitting and saving an estimated 18 months in project timelines. This initiative marks Pennsylvania as a leader in project-based permitting for complex developments.

As Governor Shapiro continues to drive economic initiatives, the PA SITES program stands out as a key component of his strategy to bolster Pennsylvania’s competitiveness for regional economic development. The program has already positioned Pennsylvania as the top state in the Northeast for Regional Economic Competitiveness, according to Site Selection Magazine.

The impact of the PA SITES investment is widespread, with projects spanning multiple counties. Notable projects include:

• Allegheny County: $6 million for Nichol Avenue McKees Rocks LLC to develop a logistics park.
• Berks County: $250,000 for a real estate plan in Reading on a 50-acre site.
• Bucks County: $150,000 for feasibility studies for a new lab and office building.
• Crawford County: $8.5 million for demolition and redevelopment at Crawford Business Park.
• Erie County: $121,740 for planning the McKean Business Park development.
• Lebanon County: $2 million for utility and infrastructure improvements for the Myerstown site.
• Luzerne County: $8 million for CrossRoads East Business Park development.
• Philadelphia: $250,000 for planning the Lower Schuylkill Innovation Campus.
• Washington County: $7.7 million for the Fort Cherry Development District.
• York County: $457,184 for transportation upgrades at Penn Township’s Industrial Park.

Advancing Economic Development Statewide

Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania is witnessing significant strides in economic development. Since taking office, the Administration has secured over $25.6 billion in private sector investments, creating over 12,500 jobs. Efforts to streamline business operations have reduced filing wait times from 8 weeks to 2 days, while proposed tax cuts aim to bolster Pennsylvania's competitive edge.

For further details on the Shapiro Administration’s economic initiatives, visit the 2025–26 budget proposal and explore how the state is creating economic opportunity at shapirobudget.pa.gov.