BEDFORD, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro this week unveiled the first round of PA SITES grant awards, allocating $64 million to 11 projects across Pennsylvania aimed at creating shovel-ready industrial sites that will attract businesses and generate new jobs. The initiative, part of the Governor’s broader Economic Development Strategy, seeks to enhance Pennsylvania’s competitiveness in business recruitment while stimulating local economies.
“When I took office as Governor, my goal was to make Pennsylvania a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation,” said Governor Shapiro. “These sites are key to growing our economy, creating more jobs, and helping Pennsylvania compete ― and win.”
The Bedford County Business Park III is among the first grant recipients, receiving $2.8 million to develop a 151-acre site into nine parcels. The funding will support essential site improvements, such as extending water and sewer lines and grading the land. Bette Slayton, President and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, emphasized the grant’s significance, stating, “This investment comes at a critical time. Our first two business parks are nearly fully occupied, and this funding will help us continue building a strong economic future for our region.”
The PA SITES program, backed by $400 million in the 2024-2025 bipartisan budget, is positioned to address the lack of prepared industrial sites across the state. Secretary of Community and Economic Development Rick Siger underscored the program’s importance. “The Commonwealth is home to a highly skilled workforce and strategic resources. These projects will create new jobs, increase opportunity, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic future,” Siger remarked.
Other projects receiving funding include $30 million for the Philadelphia Navy Yard Greenway District, $10.2 million for redevelopment in Cumberland County, and $4.6 million for the Franklin County Wharf Road Industrial Park. Together, these initiatives aim to support industries like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and logistics while driving growth in both urban and rural communities.
Pennsylvania received 66 applications totaling over $377 million in requests, reflecting the high demand for investment in site development. Officials plan to announce additional grants later this year, focusing on projects that align with the state’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy.
“This is a tremendous investment for Bedford County and rural Pennsylvania as we continue to attract world-class businesses to the region,” said Representative Jesse Topper. With these early successes, the PA SITES program is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth across the Commonwealth.
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