May 7, 2025

Governor Announces Major Investment to Boost Economic Development in Pennsylvania

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News Summary

Governor Josh Shapiro has revealed a significant investment of $64 million through the PA SITES program to enhance economic development across Pennsylvania. The initiative will support 11 projects, including the Bedford County Business Park III, which is set to receive $2.8 million for infrastructure improvements. This investment aims to make industrial sites shovel-ready to attract businesses and foster statewide economic growth, with a broader budget commitment of $500 million for site development projects.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Governor Announces Major Investment to Boost Economic Development

Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a significant investment of $64 million aimed at enhancing Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness through the new PA SITES program. This initiative will support 11 projects across the state, marking a pivotal move to prepare industrial sites that are shovel-ready for businesses.

Among the projects included in this investment is the Bedford County Business Park III, which will receive $2.8 million. This project will develop two specific areas within a 151-acre site, creating nine lots that range in size from slightly over 1 acre to nearly 21 acres. The funding will help extend essential water and sewer infrastructure and grade the land, paving the way for immediate construction.

Emphasizing the importance of these sites, the governor noted their critical role in the economic growth of Pennsylvania, explaining that they are necessary for supporting local communities and fostering economic development.

Investment and Development Plans

The PA SITES program, developed with advice from national site selection experts, is a crucial element of Shapiro’s broader economic strategy. This announcement comes as part of the 2024-25 bipartisan state budget, which has allocated a substantial $500 million specifically for site development projects across the state. Of this total, $400 million is earmarked explicitly for the PA SITES initiative.

In addition to Bedford County, more counties across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Franklin, Fayette, Dauphin, Luzerne, Washington, and Westmoreland, are set to receive grants or loans under this program. This distribution aims to foster economic growth statewide, making industrial space more readily available to attract businesses.

Recent Economic Achievements

Since Governor Shapiro took office, Pennsylvania has seen significant strides in economic development, with the state generating over $3.7 billion in private investment and creating more than 5,000 new jobs. The administration has focused on improving the business environment by reducing registration wait times and proposing corporate tax cuts, thus enhancing the state’s appeal to businesses.

Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will continue to accept applications for the PA SITES program on a rolling basis, providing more opportunities for local communities and developers. A second round of awards is expected later in 2025, further advancing the goal of making Pennsylvania an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations.

This strategic investment in industrial site readiness is expected to propel Pennsylvania back into a competitive stance in the regional and national economy, allowing communities to thrive and businesses to flourish.