PHILADELPHIA, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro this week signed Executive Order 2024-04, establishing the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expedite the permitting process for major economic development and infrastructure projects. By streamlining project approvals, increasing government transparency, and fostering interagency collaboration, the program aims to make Pennsylvania more competitive as a destination for businesses seeking to invest and grow.
The PA Permit Fast Track Program, overseen by the Office of Transformation & Opportunity (OTO), focuses on fast-tracking permits for high-impact projects without compromising the rigorous standards normally applied in the review process. It builds upon the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize permitting, licensing, and certification systems across the Commonwealth. With this new structure in place, Pennsylvania aims to demonstrate that government can operate effectively at the speed of business while driving economic development and job creation.
Streamlining Complex Processes for Big Gains
The Fast Track Program is aimed at coordinating activities for complex projects that are central to Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy. Eligible projects include large-scale efforts in infrastructure and economic innovation that require assistance navigating the permitting process across multiple state agencies. This involves scheduling interagency meetings, managing timelines, addressing project milestones, and promoting accountability through a publicly accessible online dashboard.
The program draws inspiration from the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s FAST-41 Program and features a similar transparent dashboard, which allows stakeholders to track the progress of permits, view timelines, and monitor feedback from agencies and project sponsors alike. By fostering open communication and accountability, the program aims to reduce costly delays and instill confidence in project sponsors.
“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,” said Governor Shapiro. “By streamlining permitting processes and focusing on results, we’re not just creating jobs and driving economic growth — we’re getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and putting points on the board. The PA Permit Fast Track Program is a game-changer that enhances coordination and communication between the project sponsor and state agencies to cut through red tape, streamline critical projects, and give businesses the confidence to invest and create jobs here in Pennsylvania.”
A Transformative Program in Action
The PA Permit Fast Track Program was piloted earlier this year with three ambitious projects. One of the projects, the Bellwether District in Philadelphia, served as the backdrop for the signing of Executive Order 2024-04. This 1,300-acre logistics and innovation campus is currently undergoing significant redevelopment, including environmental remediation at the site of the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery. Upon completion, the Bellwether District is anticipated to create 19,000 direct permanent jobs and establish itself as a centerpiece of economic revitalization in the Philadelphia area.
Roberto Perez, CEO of the HRP Group, developer for the Bellwether District, highlighted the significance of the partnership between business and government. “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. I firmly believe that together, we will show that in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we can innovate and accomplish big things,” Perez remarked.
Two other pilot projects showcase the program’s versatility. Project Hazelnut in Luzerne County is set to develop a 1,300-acre technology campus, which will feature state-of-the-art server rooms, power distribution infrastructure, and connectivity solutions. Additionally, Blair County’s Martinsburg Community Digester project will involve the installation of an anaerobic digester to convert manure from local dairy farms into biogas, aligning agricultural innovation with environmental sustainability.
Bolstering Business Confidence and Economic Growth
State officials and private-sector leaders alike emphasized the importance of the program in fostering Pennsylvania’s competitive edge. Ben Kirshner, Chief Transformation Officer for OTO, underscored this objective, stating, “Governor Shapiro knows that to win the competition to attract and retain companies and jobs, we need a government that moves at the speed of business. That’s why he made responsive government a core goal of his economic development strategy. 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.”
Brian Stahl, Vice President of Development at NorthPoint Development, praised the collaborative framework that Fast Track enables. “This Executive Order strengthens the critical partnership between economic development projects and permitting agencies, fostering a streamlined, transparent, and effective process. This collaboration accelerates investments, creates meaningful jobs, generates vital tax revenue, and further strengthens the economy for all Pennsylvanians,” Stahl said.
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia President and CEO Chellie Cameron echoed this sentiment, noting that the program offers businesses the predictability they need to make sound decisions. “When business leaders can rely on accurate forecasting, they can confidently pursue opportunities that create jobs and drive greater economic growth for Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia region,” Cameron explained.
A Commitment to Workers and Community Impact
The program not only benefits businesses and project sponsors but also supports workers and local economies by expediting projects that promise high-quality job creation. Ryan Boyer, Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, lauded the Governor’s efforts to ensure Pennsylvania remains a top choice for large-scale investments. “Governor Shapiro knows that to create jobs and put the men and women of the Philadelphia building trades to work, we must make Pennsylvania a place where businesses want to invest. Meaningful permitting reform is long overdue, and Governor Shapiro is making it a reality—building on his track record of moving government at the speed of business and supporting an economy that provides good, family-sustaining jobs here in the Philadelphia region and beyond.”
A New Era for Permitting in Pennsylvania
With the establishment of the PA Permit Fast Track Program, Pennsylvania becomes the first state to implement a project-based permitting initiative of this scale. The program’s focus on efficiency, transparency, and collaboration demonstrates the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to removing bureaucratic obstacles and fostering an economic environment where businesses, workers, and communities can flourish. By delivering results through innovation and proactive governance, the initiative lays the groundwork for a stronger, more dynamic Commonwealth prepared to compete on a national and global scale.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.