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Governor Shapiro Announces $30 Million Investment in Navy Yard

An overview of the ongoing developments in the Philadelphia Navy Yard aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation.

News Summary

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled a transformative $30 million investment in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, aiming to enhance economic development through the PA SITES program. This funding will expedite the development of shovel-ready sites intended for advanced manufacturing and commercial activities, while contributing to a broader $6 billion redevelopment plan expected to generate approximately 12,000 new jobs. The initiative reflects a commitment to boost Pennsylvania’s economy by preparing sites for business attraction and job creation.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a significant investment of $30 million in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, aimed at bolstering economic development in the region. This funding is allocated through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program and is intended to accelerate the development of the Navy Yard’s Greenway District. The focus will be to create shovel-ready sites suitable for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and commercial activities, crucial for driving economic growth within the state.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to stimulate Pennsylvania’s economy by promoting innovation and creating thousands of jobs. Governor Shapiro highlighted the importance of making Pennsylvania competitive in the realms of economic development and job creation, asserting that such investments would attract businesses and ultimately strengthen local communities.

The grant has been awarded to Ensemble/Mosaic Navy Yard LLC and will specifically fund infrastructure improvements, including utility upgrades, soil excavation, grading, and stormwater management. As a result of this investment, six sites will be prepared for up to 700,000 square feet of manufacturing and commercial space, which is expected to enhance the employment landscape in Philadelphia.

This funding is part of a larger $6 billion redevelopment plan for the Navy Yard, which aims to generate approximately 12,000 new jobs. The transformation of the Navy Yard is set to establish a mixed-use district that will feature nine million square feet of new development, including 4,000 apartments, life sciences facilities, and diverse retail operations.

The PA SITES program has made significant contributions to site development within the state, awarding $64 million in its initial funding round to support projects across 11 counties, including Philadelphia. This initiative is part of Pennsylvania’s extensive 10-year Economic Development Strategy designed to foster sustainable growth and job creation.

Rick Siger, the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, pointed out that the program is integral to job creation and will play a vital role in ensuring the economic prosperity of Pennsylvania. The focus on preparing shovel-ready sites is seen as essential for attracting employers and supporting long-term economic opportunities in the region.

Organizations such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have also recognized the significance of this investment. The emphasis on readying sites for development is expected to facilitate faster job creation and economic revitalization across the state.

Currently, the Navy Yard is home to over 150 employers and supports approximately 15,000 jobs. With the planned expansions fueled by additional investments like those from PA SITES, the site is anticipated to grow significantly, creating a more robust job market.

Overall, Governor Shapiro’s commitment to improving site readiness and enhancing the state’s competitiveness marks a pivotal step for Pennsylvania’s economic future. With further PA SITES projects on the horizon, Pennsylvania is positioning itself for enhanced national economic innovation and growth.