HARRISBURG – Two Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants, totaling $3 million, have been awarded to the Indiana County Development Corporation (ICDC) for economic development projects within the county, while a third grant of $1 million will be going to one of the county’s airports, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62).
A $2.5 million grant was awarded for a collaborative effort between the ICDC, the Indiana County Commissioners and targeted municipalities to deliver all development and construction phases and related improvements for the Indiana County Multi-Municipal Economic Development projects.
Those projects will include, in Phase I, the Windy Ridge Business and Technology Park in White Township; Phase II will be in Burrell Township at the Corporate Campus Business Park; and, in Phase III, the 119 Business Park in Center Township, which today received a $500,000 RACP grant to make additional improvements to get it ready for future development.
These business park land developments in preparation for future building construction projects would include all development phases, including site work, utility extensions, such as dual electric service, natural gas, water, sewage, telecommunications, stormwater management, access roads, parking lots, etc.
According to the ICDC, economic development trends indicate that businesses that are looking to establish themselves in new locations – especially those seeking larger building footprints – have become more interested in pad-ready sites and/or ready-to-occupy buildings. Having sites that are ready-to-go and buildings that are ready-to-occupy improves the county’s and region’s competitive edge, said the ICDC.
Additionally, Indiana County was awarded a $1 million grant for the construction of a new corporate hanger and related site improvements that would house multiple aircraft at Jimmy Stewart Airport, located in Indiana, PA.
“This will help create the airport’s future growth, expand services and opportunities and strengthen Indiana County’s business and economic potential,” said Struzzi. “I have been personally working to get this for a long time so I am very happy to see this grant money come through for the airport.”
“Rep. Struzzi and I are committed to making sure we have the resources necessary to grow our economy,” Pittman said. “The funding awarded today will open new opportunities throughout Indiana County to bring economic and community development to the region and I am confident we will see tangible results in the near future.”
RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act. They must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
Contacts: Jeremy Dias (Sen. Pittman) jdias@pasen.gov
Scott Little (Rep. Struzzi) Slittle@pahousegop.com