Four Local Projects Receive State Grants Totaling $3,000,000

Four local projects were awarded state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants totaling $3 million today (August 1), according to Senator Elder Vogel.

In Beaver County, $500,000 was awarded for the demolition of the IBEW Educational Development Center and the construction of a new training facility in Vanport Township and $500,000 was awarded for the Beemac Trucking maintenance/repair facility expansion in Ambridge. The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority approved a $1,573,087 low-interest loan for that project in July.

“These grants support the efforts to promote job training an economic development in our region,” Senator Vogel said. “The new IBEW training facility will certainly ensure that its students are masters of a trade that is definitely in high demand. The Beemac Trucking grant builds on the PIDA loan in supporting that important expansion project.”

The Zelienople/Harmony Destination Location project was awarded $500,000 for comprehensive infrastructure improvements in Zelienople and Harmony boroughs in Butler County.

“These funds will help enhance the attractiveness of those borough not only for local residents, but for businesses looking for a great location to set up shop,” said Senator Vogel.

Westminster College in New Wilmington borough was awarded $1.5 million for major expansion projects related to its Hoyt Science Resource Center.

“Westminster College’s Hoyt Center is a local leader in STEM education and this grant will help the school build out that program and give it room to grow,” Senator Vogel said.

RACP began in 1986 with an initial investment of $400 million to fund eligible projects via Act 63 of 1987. Since the enactment of the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act (Act 1 of 1999), the executive branch determines how many projects can be financed within a legislatively authorized maximum debt limit.