Philly Leader

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that $40.1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) dollars will be dispersed to 10 “critical projects” across the state.

According to a news release from Wolf’s office, the projects are across nine counties and focus on redevelopment and community improvements. This includes infrastructure updates and upgrades to facilities. Wolf said the projects involve community education and opportunities for work for Pennsylvanians.

“I’m pleased to provide $40.1 million for projects that support a cleaner environment, economic development, job creation and education,” Wolf said. “These projects will be transformative for their communities.”

In Allegheny County, the Almono Limited Partnership will receive $3 million for development and infrastructure for the Mill District of Hazelwood Green, to accommodate for the University of Pittsburgh’s BioForge Facility and the Carnegie Mellon University Center for Innovative Robotics. 

Also in Allegheny County, $5 million goes to Riverfront 47 for phase one of a residential and commercial property called Allegheny Shores in Sharpsburg borough. This will fund earthwork, utility installation, stormwater system upgrades and roadway construction.

In Cambria County, the city of Johnstown receives $2 million for the redesign of Main Street and the Central Park. Funds will be used for new sidewalks, curbing, crosswalks, lighting, parking and other improvements. The train station will also be rehabilitated.

In Erie County, IRG Erie Inc. receives $5 million for the redevelopment of a $200 million plastic recycling facility in 25 acres of a high unemployment area.

In Dauphin County, Harrisburg gets $6 million for improvements at FNB Field, which is the home of the Harrisburg Senators. This will fund new field lighting, locker room renovations, a new home team clubhouse, a boardwalk designed for activities and installation of a new scoreboard.

In Lancaster County, the city of Lancaster's Operations Facility Expansion receives $3 million to purchase land and expand its operations center. This will include constructing a salt shed, equipment storage spots, a garage space, recycled good drop-off area and a weatherized storage area.

In Monroe County, $3.6 million is bound for the Monroe County Industrial Development Authority for construction of a railroad line along the Pocono Mainline. There will be required upgrades done for a new Amtrak Corridor passenger train that travels to northern Pennsylvania.

In Northampton County, ArtsQuest is to receive $7 million for a redevelopment project at the abandoned Bethlehem Steel plant. Funds are going toward creating a facility for entertainment, cultural attractions, community events and science displays.

In Philadelphia County, $1.5 million goes to public TV station WHYY for renovations of its facility that includes landscaping, lighting, new workspaces and a digital media center.

The York County Agricultural Society will receive $4 million for building renovations and upgrades at York Fairgrounds. This will fund security improvements, fences and grandstands and modernizing the fairgrounds.