PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a bold move to streamline state processes and boost economic development, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-04 this week, establishing the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program. This initiative aims to enhance the Commonwealth’s permitting procedures by reducing wait times and increasing transparency for key economic and infrastructure projects, thereby making Pennsylvania a more competitive place for business.
The PA Permit Fast Track Program, overseen by the Office of Transformation & Opportunity (OTO), is designed to simplify and expedite the permitting process for complex, high-impact projects. By coordinating efforts across government agencies and with private partners, the program seeks to deliver timely responses to project sponsors while maintaining rigorous standards. A cornerstone of this initiative is the Fast Track dashboard, an online platform that promotes accountability and transparency by tracking project progress and permitting timelines.
“When I became Governor, I promised to make state government work efficiently and effectively for Pennsylvanians, breaking down barriers and creating real opportunity for the good people of our Commonwealth,” Governor Shapiro stated. “The PA Permit Fast Track Program is a game-changer…streamline critical projects, and give businesses the confidence to invest and create jobs here in Pennsylvania.”
Ben Kirshner, OTO’s Chief Transformation Officer, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, emphasizing the program’s alignment with Shapiro’s strategy for a responsive government. “The PA Permit Fast Track program is in line with the Governor’s vision and gives us a new tool to deliver coordination, accountability, and transparency for permitting big, complex projects here in the Commonwealth, increasing Pennsylvania’s competitiveness.”
The program, modeled after the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s FAST-41 Program, enhances project coordination by organizing agency meetings, managing project timelines, and facilitating communication between stakeholders. Eligible projects include those that align with the Governor’s Economic Development Strategy, ensuring that strategic and impactful developments are prioritized.
Governor Shapiro signed the Executive Order at the Bellwether District in Philadelphia, one of the pilot projects for Fast Track. This visionary 1,300-acre logistics and innovation campus is set to create 19,000 direct permanent jobs, transforming the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery site. Roberto Perez, CEO of HRP Group, highlighted the collaborative effort required to bring such transformative projects to fruition. “Transforming a site of this scale and creating thousands of new jobs requires business, government, labor, and institutions to work together — along with a little imagination and a lot of grit.”
Two additional projects are currently in the Fast Track pipeline: Project Hazelnut in Luzerne County, a transformative technology campus, and the Martinsburg Community Digester in Blair County, converting local dairy farm manure into biogas.
Brian Stahl of NorthPoint Development praised the initiative for strengthening partnerships between economic development projects and permitting agencies. “This Executive Order strengthens the critical partnership…fostering a streamlined, transparent, and effective process.”
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s President & CEO, Chellie Cameron, underscored the business benefits of the Fast Track Program, stating that it “provides businesses with the certainty and predictability they need to make strategic decisions and minimize potential risks.”
Ryan Boyer of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council commended the Governor’s leadership in making meaningful permitting reforms, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s commitment to creating jobs and supporting an economy that benefits all citizens.
As Pennsylvania embraces this transformative initiative, the Fast Track Program stands as a testament to the state’s dedication to improving governmental efficiency and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute to economic growth.
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