Nov. 04, 2024
HARRISBURG –Two Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants totaling $5 million have been awarded for projects in Westmoreland County, according to Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) and Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson/Westmoreland).
New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park Redevelopment in New Kensington is receiving $3 million to demo older unusable structures that are not suitable for tenancy due to structural and safety issues, as well as prepare the site for construction of new buildings. Funds will also be used to upgrade existing buildings for new manufacturing/tech/flex space.
TECfusions in Upper Burrell Township is being awarded $2 million for the Keystone Connect Data Center multiphase project to build a hyperscale data center in New Kensington. The three buildings will be reserve-powered by a dual-fuel, energy-efficient, low-emission, on-site micro-grid. Phase I includes equipment, emergency generation, UPS systems, electric switchgear, transformers, breakers, cabling and building materials.
“When the Commonwealth invests in new and growing businesses, not only does it create new positions and expand our workforce, but it lays the groundwork for even more economic development,” said Cooper. “One new business attracts others, and soon, you have an ancillary impact that can transform an entire neighborhood.”
“Investing in these projects is about helping our communities have the resources they need to thrive,” Pittman said. “I’m pleased to have worked together to advocate for this substantial support. The funding awarded today will open new opportunities and expand upon previous initiatives throughout our region to increase economic and community development.”
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.
Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives