HARRISBURG, PA — The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently unveiled the PA SITES program, a $400 million initiative aimed at bringing more commercial and industrial sites online across the Commonwealth. This ambitious program is designed to ensure that companies have access to attractive business environments where they can flourish.
PA SITES funding, secured by Governor Josh Shapiro, is now available to eligible applicants, including municipalities, economic development organizations, and for-profit entities. This initiative seeks to develop competitive sites for businesses to either relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funding applications, which opened on October 1, 2024, will be reviewed quarterly.
DCED Secretary Rick Siger emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “The $400 million secured for the PA SITES program provides funding to develop more high-quality, pad-ready sites for companies looking to expand in Pennsylvania or establish new operations here. Our investments through this crucial program will bring sites to market faster by funding better transportation access, utility connections, and other site preparation activities.”
The program follows a successful $10 million pilot, which attracted 102 applications requesting $236 million, highlighting the demand for further investment. PA SITES will offer planning grants for feasibility studies and construction loans to finance strategic site improvements. Awards will be determined based on need, marketability, and alignment with Pennsylvania’s key industries and development strategies.
Senator Nick Miller remarked on PA SITES’ potential, stating, “The funding from PA SITES will elevate Pennsylvania’s position in economic development, making it more competitive with neighboring states. Our aim is for entrepreneurs and existing businesses to recognize the Commonwealth as the ideal location for starting or expanding their ventures.”
The initiative is expected to drive economic growth by creating jobs and attracting new businesses, transforming Pennsylvania into a more appealing location for business development. Senator Chris Gebhard expressed optimism, noting, “Finally, we have a real program in PA SITES that will invest in site development, preparation, and readiness for industries to locate or expand in the commonwealth.”
The PA SITES program represents a strategic move to boost Pennsylvania’s competitiveness on a national and global scale, promising long-term growth and investment opportunities. Representative Aaron D. Kaufer called it a “gamechanger,” poised to ensure the state’s economic development and competitiveness.
With the framework now in place, the onus is on business leaders to capitalize on these efforts. Jay Garner, President of Garner Economics, praised the Shapiro Administration for their proactive approach, stating, “The Governor and his team listened, they acted, and now they are implementing, and that is absolutely huge.”
As the PA SITES program takes shape, it signals a significant step towards making Pennsylvania a prime destination for business and industrial growth, offering new opportunities for communities across the Commonwealth.
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