PA Gives $5.2 Million In Funding To Spur Economic Development

PENNSYLVANIA — Four agriculture and business projects around the state received significant funding from the state to help recover from the crisis.

The funding, totalling $5.2 million, comes from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“As we look toward the future after we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we make smart, strategic investments that will help stabilize our economy and support Pennsylvania’s agriculture and business communities,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement Friday. "The funding awarded today will lay the groundwork for that future."

The Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation received $800,000 to build two 31,500 square foot broiler houses in two different locations: in Bethel Township and North Annville Township. Broiler houses help raise baby chicks.

Reu-Hel Farms also received $400,000 to build three developer duck houses, totalling 61,800 square feet, in Centre Township, Berks County.

And finally, the Greater Hazleton Community Area New Development Org. received a $4 million grant, in addition to a $6 million loan, to complete the first phase of a huge new business park. The Crossroads Point Business Park in Luzerne County is made up of 693 acres of mine-scarred acres that will be reclaimed.

That $14 million project calls for six new buildings of flexible-use or industrial space, and will create an estimated 522 jobs.