BETHLEHEM, PA — On Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro, along with DCED Secretary Rick Siger and Lehigh Valley legislators, gathered at the historic Bethlehem Steel General Office (SGO) Building for a ceremonial signing of the new bipartisan budget. The 2024-25 budget focuses on making Pennsylvania more competitive economically, growing the state’s economy, and creating good-paying jobs.
Major Investments for Site Development
The budget secures $500 million for site development, including $400 million for the PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program. This funding is expected to support projects like the redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel General Office Building, transforming it into a modern office space for 600 people.
“Since day one, I’ve been laser-focused on creating jobs, growing our economy, and ensuring every Pennsylvanian has real opportunity in this economy,” said Governor Shapiro. “This bipartisan budget gives us new tools to compete economically and win.”
Boosting Small Businesses and Tourism
In addition to site development, the budget allocates $20 million for the Main Street Matters program to support small businesses and commercial corridors. It also includes $20 million for small minority-owned businesses and $15 million for tourism marketing. These investments aim to boost the economy, attract more visitors, and support good-paying jobs.
“Thanks to the bipartisan support for Governor Shapiro’s budget, we now have $500 million to invest in site preparation,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This will benefit all regions of the Commonwealth to attract and retain business and industry.”
Investing in Pennsylvania’s Future
The importance of these investments cannot be overstated. Pennsylvania has long been seen as a state with potential, but one that lacks the necessary infrastructure to attract and retain businesses. The PA SITES program aims to change this by making sites “shovel ready,” thereby attracting more businesses to the state.
In May, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger launched the PA SITES pilot program, which received 102 applications requesting more than $236 million in funding. This overwhelming demand highlighted the need for more state investments to make sites competitive for prospective businesses through better transportation access, utility extensions, or grading of pad-ready sites.
Economic Implications
The economic implications of this budget are significant. By investing in site development, Pennsylvania positions itself as a more attractive destination for businesses. This could lead to increased private sector investments, similar to the nearly $2 billion already secured under Shapiro’s administration.
Senator Nick Miller, a key advocate for the PA SITES program, emphasized the importance of these investments. “Just last week, we secured some phenomenal budget wins and Governor Shapiro delivered,” he said. “Investments like this pay off and show we can deliver on big initiatives.”
A New Economic Strategy
This budget is part of a broader, comprehensive Economic Development Strategy unveiled by Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger, the first of its kind in nearly two decades. This strategy aims to make Pennsylvania a leader in economic development.
“Governor Shapiro wanted to change that, and he got started right away,” said Senator Lisa Boscola. “Only two years into office, we have an amazing budget, and we’re getting Pennsylvania back into the economic development game.”
Future Prospects
The bipartisan budget has laid the groundwork for Pennsylvania to become a more competitive state in the national and global economy. With substantial investments in site development, small businesses, and tourism, the state is poised for significant economic growth.
“Today marks a significant first step to increase Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by investing in site development to establish shovel-ready locations across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Kyle Donahue. “This significant investment will turn dirt into jobs, accelerate business development, and create economic opportunity throughout the Commonwealth.”
The redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel General Office Building is just one example of how these investments will be put to use, transforming long-vacant spaces into thriving economic hubs. With these initiatives, Pennsylvania is not just open for business; it’s ready to lead.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.