Statement from Allegheny Conference on Community Development on the criticality of more funding from Pennsylvania to increase inventory of pad-ready sites

Statement from Allegheny Conference on Community Development on the criticality of more funding from Pennsylvania to increase inventory of pad-ready sites

(PITTSBURGH - May 9, 2024) - Today in Westmoreland County, Governor Josh Shapiro gathered with Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger and other regional elected officials and economic development practitioners, including Allegheny Conference on Community Development Chief Growth Officer Matt Smith, who oversees regional economic development activities. The event spotlighted the $10 million awarded by Pennsylvania through PA SITES, a program to create more shovel-ready sites across the commonwealth, such as the one for today's convening in Hempfield Township, a former industrial plant that will be redeveloped for new investment opportunities with the help of $2.5 million from the new Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) program.

Smith offers the following perspective on the criticality of additional funding to create an even greater inventory of sites which will keep southwestern Pennsylvania competitive with neighboring states, like Ohio, among businesses ready to invest and expedite brick-and-mortar construction.

"The Allegheny Conference urges lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to work together with the Shapiro administration to add robust investment into the PA SITES program with $500 million in infrastructure to build pad-ready sites across the Commonwealth.

"The Pittsburgh region is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, energy, life sciences, robotics and artificial intelligence, but without adequate investment to create pad-ready sites, we are losing deals and missing opportunities to grow our economy, tax base and population. A robust PA SITES program, paired with permitting efficiency and strong business operating environment, will increase our inventory of ready sites, expedite landing deals, and usher in a new wave of investment in industries where we have a competitive advantage.
"For Pennsylvania to move at the speed of business and compete with peer states, the Commonwealth must step forward to win projects. Today's highly competitive industrial real estate landscape emphasizes speed to market. Businesses in expansion/relocation mode simply can't wait for lengthy site remediation and infrastructure improvements. By taking proactive action, Pennsylvania can attract investment, jobs, and provide opportunities for communities across our region."

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Media contact: Phil Cynar, Allegheny Conference, [email protected]

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