POINT TWP, PA — A $5.7 million state investment will help prepare more than 100 acres in Northumberland County for future industrial development, with officials aiming to attract new businesses and jobs to the region.
What This Means for You
- The state is investing $5.7 million to prepare land for future business development.
- The project will create a “pad-ready” industrial site designed to attract employers.
- Local officials say the development could bring new jobs and economic activity to the region.
Governor Josh Shapiro joined local leaders Wednesday to announce the funding through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites program, known as PA SITES, which helps communities prepare land and infrastructure needed to attract new employers.
A pad-ready site refers to land that has already been graded and equipped with essential infrastructure, allowing businesses to begin construction quickly without first completing major site preparation.
Preparing Land for Development
The funding will support development of the Point Township Industrial Site, a project led by DRIVE Industry, a regional economic development organization serving Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties.
The grant will help cover construction, engineering, and administrative costs needed to prepare the site for development. Work will include grading the land, relocating utility poles, installing water infrastructure, and conducting environmental permitting studies for an on-site septic system.
The site currently lacks access to public water and sewer infrastructure, requiring additional preparation before businesses can build on the property.
DRIVE Industry has already invested $4 million to acquire the more than 100-acre parcel for development.
State Officials Highlight Economic Goals
State officials said the project is part of a broader effort to improve Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness by preparing industrial sites that can quickly accommodate new businesses.
“From day one, I’ve worked hard to make Pennsylvania a national leader on economic development, to attract new businesses, create jobs, and expand economic opportunity not just in our cities – but in our rural and suburban communities, as well,” Shapiro said. “Developing this new site is the next step in growing this region’s economy and ensuring more Pennsylvanians are given real opportunities to chart their own course.”
Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger said ready-to-build sites can help companies move projects forward faster.
“Through Governor Shapiro’s PA SITES program, we are catalyzing new business investment across Pennsylvania by making sure companies have sites and infrastructure ready to go to meet their needs,” Siger said.
Local Leaders Say Project Could Attract Investment
Regional economic development leaders said the prepared industrial site could make the area more competitive when companies are selecting locations for new facilities.
Jennifer Wakeman, executive director of DRIVE Industry, said the funding will help move the project forward.
“Ready sites translate into capital investment which creates jobs and builds regional prosperity,” Wakeman said. “The PA SITES funds are exactly what we need to bring this site to its full potential.”
Lauren Bryson, executive director of Focus Central Pennsylvania, said the development could help position the region to compete for manufacturing projects.
“In a global marketplace, ready sites win projects — and this investment positions our region to compete for high-quality, high-impact opportunities,” Bryson said.
Broader Economic Development Efforts
State officials say the investment is part of a broader economic development strategy that includes support for workforce development, site preparation, and business expansion.
According to the governor’s office, Pennsylvania has secured more than $40.4 billion in private-sector investments and created more than 22,400 jobs since 2023.
Officials said preparing development-ready industrial sites is intended to help Pennsylvania compete with other states for future business investment.
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