Governor Shapiro announces $64M investment in Pennsylvania industrial sites

Governor Josh Shapiro, along with Rick Siger, Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), has announced an investment of $64 million in 11 projects through the first round of the PA SITES program. This initiative aims to develop shovel-ready industrial sites across Pennsylvania to attract businesses and create jobs.

The announcement was made in Bedford, where the Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) is set to receive a $2.8 million grant from PA SITES. This funding will be used for developing Areas 1 and 2 of a 151-acre site into Bedford County Business Park III. The development will include nine lots ranging from 20.9 acres to one acre, with improvements such as water and sewer line extensions and parcel grading.

PA SITES was developed after consultations with national site selectors who advise companies on relocation decisions. Governor Shapiro secured $500 million for site development in his 2024-25 budget, allocating $400 million specifically for PA SITES. Due to these efforts, Pennsylvania was recognized as the top state in the Northeast for Regional Economic Competitiveness by Site Selector Magazine.

During the announcement event, several key figures were present including Jeffrey Crist, Chair of BCDA; Bette Slayton, President and CEO of BCDA; Mike Stiles, Commissioner & Chair of Bedford County; alongside Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger.