Lehigh Times

During Gov. Tom Wolf’s two terms in office he has made it a priority to make Pennsylvania a better place than when he arrived, and his efforts continued with the recent announcement of $40.1 million in funds going to redevelopment and community improvement projects.

On October 31 Wolf announced that the projects will be in nine counties, and are focused on improving infrastructure, community education and providing work for Pennsylvanians. The 10 projects are being funded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

“I’m pleased to provide $40.1 million for projects that support a cleaner environment, economic development, job creation, and education,” said Gov. Wolf. “These projects will be transformative for their communities.”

In Allegheny County, the Almono Limited Partnership is receiving $3 million for development and infrastructure for the Mill District of Hazelwood Green for the University of Pittsburgh’s BioGorge Facility and the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Innovative Center. 

$5 million is going to Riverfront 47, LP or Its Assigns for phase 1 of a new residential and commercial property called Allegheny Shores in Sharpsburg Borough. The funds will go toward earthwork, utility installation, stormwater system upgrades and roadway construction.

In Cambria County, the city of Johnstown is receiving $2 million for a redesign of Main Street and Central Park. This will be for sidewalks, curbing, crosswalks, lighting, parking, and more. The train station will also be rehabilitated.

In Erie County, IRG Erie, Inc. is receiving $5 million for the redevelopment of a $200 million plastic recycling facility in a high-unemployment area.

In Dauphin County, the city of Harrisburg is receiving $6 million for improvements at the FNB field, which is the home of the Harrisburg Senators. There will be new field lighting, locker room renovations, a new home clubhouse, a boardwalk for activities and a new scoreboard.

In Lancaster County, the city of Lancaster Operations Facility Expansion is receiving $3 million to purchase land and expand its operations center. This includes building a salt shed, equipment storage spots, a garage space, a recycled good drop-off area and a weatherized storage area.

In Monroe County, $3.6 million is going to the Monroe County Industrial Development Authority for the construction of a railroad line that is along the Pocono Mainline. There will be upgrades for a new Amtrak Corridor passenger train that goes to Northern Pennsylvania.

In Northampton County, ArtsQuest is receiving $7 million for a redevelopment project at the abandoned Bethlehem Steel Corporation plant. The funds will go toward creating a facility for entertainment, cultural attractions, community events and science displays.

In Philadelphia County, $1.5 million is going to WHYY for renovations of its facility that includes landscaping, lighting, new workspaces and a digital media center.

The York County Agricultural Society is receiving $4 million for building renovations and upgrades at York Fairgrounds. This will be for things like security improvements, fences and grandstands, as well as other modernization efforts.